Inspection apparatus for inspecting articles

ABSTRACT

An inspection apparatus can include an application guiding an inspector in the performance of an inspection. The application can be provided in such form as to be modified. In one embodiment, an application for guiding an inspector can be modified responsively to data collected by an inspection apparatus of an inspection system. In one embodiment an application for guiding an inspector can be modified responsively to data output by a data output device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/786,829 filed Mar. 27, 2006 whichis incorporated herein by reference. The present application is alsorelated to U.S. NonProvisional patent application Ser. No. 11/645,082,filed Dec. 22, 2006 entitled, “Article Inspection Apparatus” which isalso incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to methods and systems for inspection in generaland, in a particular embodiment, to methods and systems that canincorporate an inspection apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Industrial visual inspection apparatus, such as borescopes, can be usedto collect media files such as image files and video files, includingaudiovisual (multimedia) files. Operators of such apparatus havehistorically manually associated data records with collected media filesusing; for example, a written notepad and have used printed materials(e.g., printed instruction manuals or printed job guides) to guide themthrough an inspection procedure. Inspectors who rely on written notesand printed materials may lose track of where they are in an inspectionprocess. For example, inspectors may “snap away” aimlessly whenperforming inspections capturing repetitive video and still imagesseveral times over as a result of having lost track of what images havealready been collected and what images need to be collected. At the sametime, equipment articles being inspected are often online industrialprocess machines or power plant machines, or replacement articles forsuch machines, which desirably are inspected with a minimum of downtime. The inability of present day inspectors to keep track of whatimages need to be collected can result in protracted down time ofprocess machinery and significant economic losses owing both toprotracted down times for completion of inspections and requiredre-inspections where steps of an inspection process were not completedby an inspector. Further, unlabeled and undescribed media files hinderan expert data management agent's capacity to decide if a collectedimage or video should be considered ‘pass’ or ‘fail.’ Becauseundescribed media files inhibit proper comparison with reference toimages and videos, inspection procedures often have to be duplicated.The efficiency of an inspector is further limited by the requirement oftaking written notes. The capacity of an inspector to remain focused onthe required steps of an inspection are compromised by forcing theinspector to write written notes and leaf through printed material whileperforming an inspection.

The use of written notes to record data, in addition to compromising aninspector's ability to remain focused on an inspection, also makes itdifficult to review and analyze media files collected during aninspection procedure. For correlation of a collection of media fileswith a certain job task, an inspector or other data management personnelmight, after a collection of media files has been collected, view thehandwritten notes taken by the operator in connection with themultimedia files at a workstation and then manually associate a job taskindex to the media by way of keyed-in data entry at a workstation. Theabove described data management method results in data entry error andjudgment error. For example, inspectors using the above method may makeinaccurate written notes regarding a scene being subject to image fileor video file collection. Inspectors have also been observed to avoidtaking written notes altogether when faced with time pressures forcollecting media files or when encountering stressful (e.g., high heator poor air quality wearing gloves in a cold environment) workingconditions. The result of a commonly encountered multimedia filecollection effort is simply a large collection of unorganized imagefiles and/or video files with no indexing and no written notes and withthe only guide for organizing the files being the memory of the humaninspector operating the inspection apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the invention can be better understood withreference to the drawings described below, and the claims.

FIG. 1 a is a view of a visual inspection system which in the embodimentshown has local and remote computers;

FIG. 1 b is an alternative view of the system of FIG. 1 a withadditional emphasis on features of a visual inspection apparatus;

FIG. 1 c is a cross sectional view of an elongated inspection module ofa visual inspection apparatus;

FIG. 1 d is a cross sectional view of an interconnect module of a visualinspection apparatus;

FIG. 1 e is a cross sectional side view of a camera head assembly of avisual inspection apparatus;

FIG. 1 f is a detailed side view of an articulation cable of aninspection apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a high level circuit diagram of circuitry that can beincorporated in a visual inspection apparatus;

FIG. 3 a is high level circuit diagram of a circuit that may beincorporated in a visual inspection apparatus in one embodiment;

FIG. 3 b is a high level circuit diagram of a circuit that can beincorporated in a base module of a visual inspection apparatus;

FIGS. 3 c-3 c-2 are perspective views of a control and display module ofa visual inspection apparatus showing a user interface including buttonsand a joystick.

FIG. 3 d illustrates an alternative configuration for a control anddisplay module wherein a dedicated pointer controller is integrated intoa control user interface of the control and display module;

FIGS. 4 a through 4 d are a series of screen shots showing screendisplays that illustrate a guide feature for guiding an inspector;

FIG. 4 e is a flow diagram associated with the screen shots of FIGS. 4 athrough 4 d illustrating a guide feature for guiding an inspector;

FIG. 4 f illustrates a list representing steps of an inspectionprocedure that can be retained by an inspection apparatus;

FIG. 5 a is a flow diagram illustrating a method that can be carried outby a visual inspection apparatus;

FIG. 5 b is a set of diagrams illustrating a possible method ofassociating metadata and a media file;

FIG. 5 c is a set of diagrams illustrating another possible method ofassociating metadata and a media file;

FIG. 6 a is a diagram illustrating a free metadata association mode ofoperation;

FIG. 7 a is a view of a control and display module of a visualinspection apparatus when displaying a guide form;

FIG. 7 b is a view of a hand set of a visual inspection apparatus in apossible state subsequent to a hot spot of a guide form being actuated;

FIG. 7 c is a flow diagram illustrating operation of a visual inspectionapparatus in one embodiment when reading metadata from a form forassociation to a media file;

FIG. 8 a is a flow diagram illustrating operation of a visual inspectionapparatus in one embodiment where the apparatus utilizes an inspectionguide form to establish a set of directories and to generate a reportuseable at the inspection apparatus and at a computer external to theinspection apparatus;

FIG. 8 b shows a possible file directory structure that can beestablished by an inspection apparatus;

FIG. 9 a is a view of an inspection apparatus in one embodiment whendisplaying a report form;

FIG. 9 b is a view of computer external to a visual inspection apparatusdisplaying the report form displayed by a control and display moduledisplay in the view of FIG. 9 a;

FIG. 10 a is a view of a screen display illustrating operation of a formbuilder in one embodiment;

FIG. 10 b is a view of a screen display illustrating operation of a formbuilder in one embodiment;

FIG. 10 c is a view of a screen display illustrating operation of a formbuilder in one embodiment;

FIG. 10 d is an exemplary window that can be displayed as part of adevelopment screen of a form builder;

FIG. 11 illustrates a file management feature that can be implementedwith use of a report form in which a file can be saved into a structureddirectory by dragging and dropping a file designator onto a hot spot.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an association between media files andmetadata which can be provided with use of the system wherein a datastructure can be provided including a media file and associatedmetadata, wherein the metadata can include a stage indicator and a stepindicator;

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating an application for modifying aninspector guide application responsively to an examination of at leastone of file data of one or more media file and metadata associated withthe one or more media file;

FIG. 14 is a representation of an exemplary graphical user interfacewhich may be used by an inspector using an inspection apparatus inmodifying an inspector guide application;

FIG. 15 is a representation of an exemplary graphical user interfacewhich may be used by a supervisor using a computer spaced apart andexternal from an inspection apparatus in modifying an inspector guideapplication;

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating an application for operating aninspection apparatus wherein an inspector guide application is modifiedresponsively to an output of a data output device;

FIG. 17 is a table for use in selectively enabling stages of aninspector guide application in one embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a table for use in selectively enabling steps of an inspectorguide application in one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An inspection apparatus can include an application guiding an inspectorin the performance of an inspection. The application can be provided insuch form as to be modified. In one embodiment, an application forguiding an inspector can be modified responsively to data collected byan inspection apparatus of an inspection system. In one embodiment anapplication for guiding an inspector can be modified responsively todata output by a data output device. In one embodiment, an inspectionapparatus can be provided by a visual inspection apparatus incorporatedin a visual inspection system and configured so that media files can becollected utilizing the inspection apparatus. Accordingly, in oneembodiment there is provided in a visual inspection system features thatimprove the quality of data collection such as media file collection ina visual inspection system. A technical effect of features describedherein is improved quality of data collection.

Methods and apparatus for performing visual inspection of industrialcomponents, such as aircraft engines, nuclear reactors, and fluidconduits, are provided. Such methods may include, with the assistance ofan electronic manual or instruction set, performing the steps ofdisposing an inspection module near a component such as an equipmentarticle to be inspected, gathering data regarding the component, andstoring the gathered data with appropriate notations. Additional stepsmay also be performed, such as measuring an aspect (e.g., length of adefect, temperature) of the inspected component and associatinginspection-specific data (e.g., inspector identification, time/place ofinspection, identifying indicia of the inspected component) with mediainformation gathered during the inspection. The visual inspectionapparatus may comprise a demountable inspection module, an interconnectmodule, a unitary control and display module, and a base module.

In one aspect the features relate to guiding an inspector through aninspection procedure. The guiding can include displaying one or moreelements of information about the present inspection procedure,displaying requirements of the procedure, providing negative feedbackwhere a procedure requirement is not adhered to, providing positivefeedback when a procedure is adhered to and enabling or disablingcontrols of an inspection apparatus in a manner depending on aninspector performance during an inspection procedure. In one specificexample, an inspector can be guided by an electronic instruction manualfor completing an inspection procedure. The guiding features help aninspector remain focused on required procedure steps and thereby limitinstances of erroneous or improper or redundant file collections.

In another aspect the features relate to associating “metadata,” i.e.,“data about the data” to collected files collected during an inspectionprocedure. Metadata can be, e.g., data from sensors in proximity with anequipment article being subject to inspection, time stamp data, datadescribing the inspection procedure being performed, e.g., job #equipment #, site, customer, inspector, component, and defect type.Metadata can be defined by a software developer programming a computerof the inspection system or by an inspector by entering of data. Theassociating of metadata makes collected media files easier to manage andanalyze. A set of metadata associated files is thereby in a formsuitable for searching. A set of metadata associated files can beprocessed by an application which processes the files into a form thatfurther enhance the capacity of the media files to be searched and/oranalyzed. In that metadata associated files always contain the mediafile and the descriptive metadata, one does not have to manually enterdescriptive data when sending to an external computer for analysis orreview.

Guiding features and metadata associating features can be deployedcompletely independent of one another. That is, in one embodiment, avisual inspection system can have guiding features but no metadataassociating features. In another useful embodiment, a visual inspectionsystem can have metadata associating features but no guiding features.Nevertheless, in accordance with another embodiment, guiding featuresand metadata-associating features are combined into a single visualinspection system. The combination of guiding features and metadataassociating features produces a synergistic effect. While a purpose of aguiding feature is to improve collection speed and accuracy by helpingan inspector remain focused on a procedure, this purpose is alsoadvanced by incorporation of a metadata associating feature whichrelieves an inspector of the burdensome task of recording written notesand allows an inspector to pay even greater attention to therequirements of a procedure. While a purpose of the metadata associatingfeature is to improve the organization of collected data making the dataeasier to manage and analyze, this purpose is also advanced by theincorporation of a guiding feature which reduces instances of erroneous,missed and redundant data collections.

In one embodiment, forms can be provided for use in the visualinspection system. Forms, in one example, can be provided by HTML filesviewable by; for example, a web browser program. The forms can beutilized to develop both guiding features and metadata associatingfeatures. For example, regarding guiding features, the forms can includeone or more of viewable text providing instructions to an inspector, hotspots (control buttons) for guiding an inspector, helping the inspectorto maintain track of required operations, and graphics (including of anequipment article being inspected). Regarding metadata associatingfeatures, the forms can carry data for use in metadata association, suchas job #, equipment #, component name, defect type defined by the persondeveloping the form. The forms can also include data entry fields forreceiving data input from an inspector (e.g., inspector #) for use asmetadata to be associated with collected files.

There can also be provided in the visual inspection system a formbuilder including a graphical user interface that allows an organizationinvolved in running inspection operations to quickly develop forms foraiding an inspection process. New forms can be rapidly developed withuse of the form builder. The form builder can include features allowinga developer to easily define, without typing of any program code, acomplex interrelated set of screen views for display on a visualinspection apparatus that is customized for a particular visualinspection procedure. Because the form builder can be configured tobuild complex and highly featurized forms without typing in any programcode, the software developer developing forms with use of the formbuilder can be a person without any understanding of computer languagesor program coding.

In another aspect, a visual inspection apparatus of a visual inspectionsystem can be configured to generate an organized user interactivereport organizing files collected during an inspection procedure. Areport may be generated utilizing a set of one or more forms for displayon an apparatus display, and in one embodiment is always available forviewing by an inspector and any person within view of a display equippedcomputer within a visual inspection system. At any time during executionof an inspection procedure, the report can be viewed on an apparatusdisplay or on an external display. A report can comprise a root formwith hot spots linking various files collected during execution of aninspection procedure, and the files, in one particular embodiment can besaved into a set of file directories established utilizing informationfrom a form. The set of file directories can reside on a computer memoryor removable media. The interactive report can be transferred onto anetwork, solid state memory or any memory device for viewing. In onesimplified embodiment, a report is provided by a simple listing of oneor more files and associated metadata.

In another aspect, an application for guiding an inspector in performingan inspection can be modified. In one embodiment an application forguiding an inspector can be modified responsively to data collected byan inspection apparatus of an inspection system. In another embodiment,an application for guiding an inspector can be modified responsively todata output by a data output device.

There is provided in one embodiment an inspection apparatus which can beused to inspect industrial inspection articles in which an inspector isguided through an inspection procedure. There is provided in anotherembodiment an inspection apparatus that can associate metadata tocollected media files. In another embodiment, a form is used to provideguiding features and metadata associating features. The form can includemetadata for association with a media file. The form can, in oneembodiment, be utilized in the generation of a report that can be viewedat the inspection apparatus by the inspector and at an external workstation by a supervisor or a data management agent.

Operating Environment and Components

There is shown in FIG. 1 a an exemplary visual inspection system 1000including a plurality of visual inspection apparatuses 100-1, 100-2,100-3, a local data management workstation 600-1 and a remote datamanagement workstation 600-2. System 1000 can have both local and remotecomponents as indicated by the dashed border of FIG. 1 a. Local datamanagement workstation 600-1 and visual inspection apparatuses 100 andthe remaining component indicated below the dashed border can beincluded in a common local facility having equipment or other subjectmatter in need of visual inspection. Examples of facilities in which thelocal components of system 1000 may be deployed include manufacturingfacilities and power plants. Referring to further aspects of system1000, visual inspection apparatuses 100 can be in communication withlocal data management workstation 600-1 via Ethernet bus 302.Apparatuses 100-1 and 100-2 are wireline connected to bus 302 whileapparatus 100-3 is in wireless communication with bus 302 via accesspoint 304 such as may be provided by an IEEE 802.11 access point. In thelocal operating environment there can also be included a server 700-1storing an inspection records database 800-1. Local server 700-1 is incommunication with a remote server 700-2 which can be located miles tothousands of miles from local server 700-1. Remote server 700-2 can alsostore an inspection record database 800-2. Remote server 700-2 and localserver 700-1 can be connected via an IP network 500 and suitablegateways and routers where necessary (not shown) can be disposed betweenIP network 600 and servers 700-1 and 700-2 respectively. In theembodiment of FIG. 1 a, remote data management workstation 600-2 isdepicted as being in communication with server 700-2 via an Ethernet bus308 at a common data management facility with remote server 700-2. Datamanagement facility 900 can be in network communication with computersat several local facilities having networks as in the depicted localfacility (i.e., having all the components shown below the dashed-inborder). Referring to visual inspection apparatuses 100, each visualinspection apparatus 100 can have a base module 34, a control anddisplay module 16 including a control and display module display 1602,an elongated inspection module 12, an interconnect module 26, and anassociated monitor 40 having a display 42 in communication with baseunit 34. An alternative view of visual inspection system 1000 withgreater emphasis on the components of visual inspection apparatus 100 isdescribed in connection with FIG. 1 b. All of the computers of FIG. 1 a;namely, computer 100-1, computer 100-2, computer 100-3, computer 600-1,computer 700-1, computer 700-2, and computer 600-1 can incorporate theTCP/IP protocol stack and are IP addressable.

Referring now to the view of FIG. 1 b, visual inspection apparatus 100can include visual inspection system 1000, an elongated inspectionmodule 12, a camera head assembly 14, a control and display module 16,an elongated interconnection module 26, power plug 30 and base module34. Control and display module 16 and base module 34 can have separatehousings 16 h and 34 h respectively. As shown, control and displaymodule 16 can be disposed at a proximal end 112 of the elongatedinspection module 12. Housing 16 h which can have a handle portion 116(element labeled in FIG. 3 c) can be sized and shaped to be grasped by ahuman hand. Because housing 16 h can be configured to be a hand heldcontrol and display module 16 can in an embodiment described be regardedas being hand held or hand graspable. Visual inspection apparatus 100may also include a monitor 40 including a display 42 in communicationwith base module 34. Monitor 40 may be in communication with visualinspection apparatus 100 via several communication circuitries of basemodule 34. The components described of the local operating environmentmay be in communication with components of a remote operatingenvironment. As indicated in the view of FIG. 1 b, the components of thelocal operating environment may be in communication with a network atdata management facility 900 which can include at least one server 700-2and a user interface equipped computer such as PC 600-2 serving as adata management workstation. Remote data management facility 900 can belocated miles to thousands of miles from the local operating environmentand can be in communication with the components of the local operatingenvironment by way of an IP network 500. One or more of control anddisplay module 16 and base module 34 can have suitable network interfacehardware and software providing network connectivity with IP network.Visual inspection system 1000 may be in accordance with the remote videoinspection system described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/768,761 filed Jan. 29, 2004, entitled “Remote Video InspectionSystem” incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to more detailed aspects of visual inspection system 1000disposed in base module 34 is a light source 36 which may be, e.g., a50-watt arc lamp. Base module 34 may further carry an image processingcircuit as will be described herein. Light source 36 of base module 34directs light through interconnect module 26, through control anddisplay module 16, through elongated inspection module 12 and outwardlyfrom camera head assembly 14. In one embodiment, the system can have amodular light source that allows the user to change a light engine(e.g., a lamp, a ballast, and a mounting mechanism) conveniently andquickly. Different light engines can be employed in differentembodiments. Light engines that provide white light can be based onLEDs, arc discharge lamps (such as xenon, high pressure mercury, ormetal halide lamps). Light engines that provide UV or IR illuminationcan be based on LEDs, filtered arc discharge lamps, or lasers. The lightsources are also configurable at the time of manufacture. In someembodiments the light source can be located in a distal end of anelongated inspection module, or it can be located in a control anddisplay module.

As seen by the interconnect module cross section view of FIG. 1 d,interconnect module 26 encases and supports fiber optic bundles 102. Asseen by the elongated inspection module cross section view of FIG. 1 c,elongated inspection module 12 also supports and encases fiber opticbundles 102. Referring to further aspects of interconnect module 26,interconnect module 26 further encases and supports wiring cable bundle104. Part of the wires of wiring cable bundle 104 are branched offwithin control and display module 16 as is suggested by the electricalblock diagram of FIG. 2 which will be discussed later herein.

The remainder of wires of bundle 104 extend through elongated inspectionmodule 12 as is indicated by bundle 104 of elongated inspection modulecross sectional view of FIG. 1 c. Referring to elongated inspectionmodule 12, elongated inspection module 12 as best seen in FIG. 1 ccarries fiber optic bundles 102, cable wiring bundle 104 (includingflexible electrical conductors), articulation cable assemblies 106, andworking channel 108. In one embodiment, an inspection module may bereadily interchanged for another inspection module. For example, asecond replacement elongated inspection module to be used when a userdetects a problem in the use of the first elongated inspection module,or a second replacement elongated inspection module that has a differentdiameter, a different length, or a different stiffness as compared tothe first elongated inspection module. The elongated inspection modulemay be connected to the display module by use of a connector thatprovides electrical and optical connections to handle all of thefollowing communications: optical communication of light generated atthe light source to the target by way of optical fibers in the cable viathe unitary display module/manually operated control module to theelongated inspection module having an optical transmission path, such asan optical fiber, for illumination of a target; and a selected one of acommunication of reflected light from the target to a sensor housed inthe unitary display module/manually operated control module, and acommunication of electrical signals to and from a sensor situated at adistal end of the elongated inspection module. In some embodiments, theelongated inspection module comprises a replaceable tip. For example, athread-on tip that can be attached or removed.

The articulation cables extending from the control and display moduleare, in one embodiment, preferably made at least partially from tungstento improve articulation performance and reduce stretch of thearticulation cable material. In an alternative embodiment or optionally,the control and display module may be coupled in fluid communicationwith the elongated inspection module so that the elongated inspectionmodule is articulated by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure applied by wayof the fluid. The elongated inspection module comprises a double braidconstruction to enable small bending radii, and hence small diameterstorage. In some embodiments, the inner braid may be provided to controlthe stiffness of the probe. Probes may be designed and constructed tovary in stiffness by controlling the relative angle between the strandsforming a braid layer. The use of two braided layers can, in someinstances, also provide improvements in shielding electromagneticinterference.

In one embodiment, the demountable inspection module includes ahelically wound spiral tube, a first braided tube disposed over at leasta portion of the helically wound spiral tube, a second braided tubedisposed over at least a portion of the first braided tube, a firstpolymeric layer disposed between said first braided tube and said secondbraided tube and a second polymeric layer coating the outer periphery ofthe second braided tube.

The first wire braid tube may have a first braid angle. As used herein,the term “braid angle” is defined as the angle between the longitudinalaxis of a braided tube and the wires or metallic fibers that areinterwoven to form the braided tube. The inspection apparatus elongatedinspection module further may include a second wire braid tube disposedover at least a portion of the first wire braid tube. The second wirebraid tube has a second braid angle that is different than the firstbraid angle. The elongated inspection module further may include a firstpolymeric layer disposed between the first wire braid tube and thesecond wire braid tube. A second polymeric coating covers the secondwire braid tube. Articulation cable assemblies 106 provide for bendingof elongated inspection module at distal end 13. As seen in the detailview of FIG. 1 f, articulation cable assemblies 106 can be provided by astranded cable 1062 encased by an outer spring conduit 1064. Workingchannel 108 allows manipulation of a tool (e.g., a hook, a brush, or amagnet) extending from camera head assembly 14. While visual inspectionsystem 1000 having the elongated inspection module embodiment of FIG. 1b includes fiber optic bundles 102, it will be understood that theillumination system having light source 36 and bundles 102 can bereplaced or supplemented by an illumination system comprising lightsources such as a plurality of LEDs incorporated in head assembly 14.LEDs in head assembly 14, like image sensor 212 (FIG. 1 e, also referredto herein as an “imaging sensor”) and image signal conditioning circuit210 (FIG. 2), may be powered by power delivery conductors of bundle 104.

A functional block electrical layout diagram is shown in FIG. 2. Variouselectrical circuits are distributed throughout a visual inspectionapparatus 100 of visual inspection system 1000. In one typical layoutscheme, a visual inspection apparatus 100 of a visual inspection system1000 includes an image signal conditioning circuit 210, a control anddisplay module control circuit 220, and an image processing circuit 230.Image signal conditioning circuit 210 receives image signal clocking andcontrols signals from image processing circuit 230 for control ofimaging sensor 212, and conditions analog image signals generated byimage sensor 212 so that the signals can be delivered to imageprocessing circuit 230. Imaging sensor 212 is typically a 2D color solidstate imaging sensor. In one embodiment, the distal end of the imagingsensor may include a camera housing surrounding a camera assemblycomprising, in an illustrative embodiment, an objective window, anaperture, an acromat, a light baffle, and an imaging assembly. Theimaging sensor is required for converting reflected light from a targetto an electrical signal representative of the reflected light. In someembodiments, the sensor may be an imager conforming to the NTSC, PAL, orprogressive scan computer video standards. The system includes thecapability to generate PAL, NTSC and progressive scan video outputstandards. In some embodiments, the sensor comprises a lead framedesign. In some embodiments, the imaging sensor is situated at a distalend of an elongated inspection module. In other embodiments, the imagingsensor is situated within the control and display module or within theproximal end of the elongated inspection module. In another embodiment,a general purpose camera, such as an electronic CCD camera, may be usedto provide troubleshooting diagnostics for the system, as well as tocreate general purpose inspection photos.

Image processing circuit 230 may be partially distributed in power plug30 and partially distributed in base module 34. Among other functions,image processing circuit 230 receives analog image signals astransmitted by image signal conditioning circuit 210, converts suchsignals into digital form utilizing an analog-to-digital converter andbuffers frames of image data so that frames of image data can besubjected to various processing. The processing which may be performedby image processing circuit 230 can include such processing as singleframe storage, measurement determination, and object recognition. Imageprocessing circuit 230 can also perform such functions as overlaying ofmenu interface selection screens on displayed images, and transmittingoutput video signals to various displays such as hand piece display 1602and monitor display 40. In addition to housing image processing circuit230, power plug 30 and base module 34 also carry various electricalcircuitries for delivering electrical power to various components ofvisual inspection system 1000. Electrical communication between thevarious circuits is provided by signal lines 240, 241, 242, and 243,each of which represents one or more electrical conductors. Signal lines244, 245 to be discussed further herein also represent one or moreelectrical conductors. Referring to further aspects of base module 34,the base module, in an illustrative embodiment, can have defined in aside thereof one or more apertures for use with electronic, magneticand/or optical storage media. Present within the base module andaccessible through various apertures may be the electronic components(e.g., floppy disk drive, DVD drive, CD/CD-R/CD-RW drive, or CompactFlash/PCMCIA/PC card/SD adapter) that accommodate and read from and/orwrite to the storage media that can be employed by a user of the remotevideo inspection system. As an alternative to downloading informationfrom a remote location to the inspection system, any of these mobilemedia interaction means may be used to provide the manual and/or formsor other templates discussed in greater detail herein. The base moduleprovides on-board MPEG-2, MPEG-4 or DV video compression. In otherembodiments, other known video compression methods and formats can beemployed. The base module also can include various connectivity options,e.g. serial ports, USB ports, Firewire® (IEEE 1393) ports, etc. forconnecting to other electronic systems; for example, a digital personalassistant. The base module may comprise a cooling fan and an optionaldust filter to accommodate the thermal loads that the illumination lampof the light source module presents during operation. The base modulemay be designed to be substantially waterproof.

Control and display module control circuit 220, among other functions,receives video signals from image processing circuit 230, and displayssuch signals on display 1602 of control and display module 16, receivesuser input and commands input via hand piece controls 1604 andinterprets such inputs to perform various operations. One importantfunction of control and display module control circuit 220 is to receiveelongated inspection module control inputs. Control circuit 220interprets user inputs to develop control signals for controllingcontrol servomotor 1608 which moves articulation cables 1062 so that adistal end 13 of elongated inspection module 12 is moved into a desiredorientation. The control and display module may combine the display andcontrol features that are necessary and useful for a user of the videoinspection system to monitor and control the operation of the videoinspection system, and to observe, evaluate and record the results of aninspection. The control and display module may also provide electrical,optical, mechanical and fluid communication as necessary between thevarious cable and replaceable probes that are used in the operation ofthe video inspection system.

The display module in one embodiment may be a WVGA (Wide VGA) liquidcrystal display (LCD) providing a 16:9 format and high displaybrightness, with a display quality similar to that of a high definitionvideo display. The display module in other embodiments can compriseother suitable displays, such as; for example, an OLED or plasmadisplay.

In one embodiment, manually operated control and display module 16 maycomprise a joystick 5118 (FIG. 3 c) that is used to control the motionof the distal end of the elongated inspection module in directionsnormal to the end of the elongated inspection module (e.g. “up”-“down”,“y-direction”, and “right”-“left” or “x-direction” motion of the distalend of the elongated inspection module). The “up”-“down” and“right”-“left” motion of the distal end of the elongated inspectionmodule is controlled by servomotors or articulation motors which drivelead screws in a pod assembly. The articulation motors may be housed inthe control and display module. The lead screws and their attachment tothe articulation cables may be housed in the pod.

Control and display module 16 can include, by way of example, an LCDmonitor (which displays images seen by the imaging device), a joystickcontrol (for articulating a distal end of the imaging device), and abutton set (for accessing measurement, digital, and measurement controlsassociated with the imaging device). The control and display module mayalso be connected to an elongated inspection module, which terminates ina distal end and which is interfaced to a control and display module ata proximal end. As used herein, the term “distal” shall mean in thedirection of the tip of the borescope furthest from the control anddisplay module. The control and display module may be ergonomicallydesigned such that the grip section is hand-sized and includes anon-slip grip area. Interchangeable elongated inspection modules for theflexible endoscopic or borescopic probe may be provided that can beselectively and interchangeably connected to the control and displaymodule. According to one embodiment, manual control comprisesarticulation motors that are retained in a proximal end of the manualcontrol, the articulation motors located so as to provide balance to thecontrol and display module. The manually operated control module may beergonomically designed for ease and comfort of use.

Image processing circuit 230 and control and display module processingcircuit 220 are typically microprocessor based; that is, they areconveniently established utilizing one or a plurality of readilyavailable programmable off-the-shelf microprocessor integrated circuit(IC) chips. Microprocessor IC chips often have on-board volatile andnonvolatile memory structures and are typically disposed incommunication with external volatile and nonvolatile memory devices.

FIG. 1 e shows a detailed view of a camera head assembly 14 in anillustrative embodiment. Camera head assembly 14 includes head 1402 andtip 1406. Tip 1406, normally of detachable construction includes variouslenses which determine a field of view (e.g., straight view, right angleview, narrow right angle, wide right angle, etc.) while head 1402carries camera components. More specifically, head 1402 includes metalcanister 1410 which encapsulates lens 211, imaging sensor 212 and ICchip 1414 in which the elements of the aforementioned image signalconditioning circuit 210 are incorporated. In one embodiment, adetachable tip of camera head assembly 14 can be configured to projectan auxiliary image onto an object being measured, such as a shadow of aconstant diameter pattern such as a ring pattern. Further, apparatus 100can be configured to operate in a measurement mode of operation whereinan inspector can set electronic cursors on a control and display moduledisplay 1602 using controls 1604. In addition, a circuit of apparatus100 typically provided by processor 3106 of base module 34,appropriately programmed, can calculate a distance measurement.Apparatus 100 can calculate a distance measurement by running an imagedata processing program to calculate dimension information (inches orcentimeters) of the object designated by placement of the cursors byprocessing of the image data including a representation of the projectedpattern. Dimensioning (distance, i.e., length measuring) inspectionapparatus in accordance with the above description are described ingreater detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,980,763 and 5,633,675, the entiredisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Further, asdescribed in copending patent application Ser. No. 10/853,817, filed May25, 2004, and Ser. No. 11/294,285, filed Dec. 5, 2005, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein,distance measurements when calculated can be associated or embedded to amedia file designated for collection by writing the measurement data toa media file corresponding to the image data subject to measurement,such that measurement data is destructively superimposed on a displayedimage displayed when an image file is displayed, and optionally, theimage is reconstructed using saved data in order to remove thedestructive overlay. It will be seen that the media files discussedherein can contain measurement data calculated during execution of aninspection procedure. Accordingly, in one aspect, apparatus 100 can beconfigured to operate in a measurement mode in which cursors can bepositioned on display 1602 for enabling an inspector to designate anarea of a displayed image to be subject to a distance measurement. In ameasurement mode, apparatus 100 can calculate a distance measurementbetween a pair of points designated to be subject to a distancemeasurement by placement of said cursors. Furthermore, the inspectionmodule can be configured to be used in a “multi-modal” fashion such asby, for example, using eddy currents to determine the thickness of, forexample, a conductive coating, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,670,808, theentire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.As described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,697,764, the entire disclosure of whichis incorporated by reference herein, this multi-modal capacity canextend to detecting a plurality of sensed conditions, such as ultrasoundreadings, laser ultrasound readings, magnetic readings, infraredreadings, eddy current readings, fluorescent penetrant readings, andx-ray images, or one or more action conditions, such as cleaning,cutting, grasping, stapling, nitrogen-purging, grinding repairs,blasting repairs, and drilled repairs.

There is therefore provided an elongated inspection module, a cameraassembly and a hand graspable control and display module, the cameraassembly including an imaging sensor and a lens focusing an image of anindustrial equipment article onto said imaging sensor, the handgraspable control and display module being disposed at a proximal end ofsaid elongated inspection module, the hand graspable control and displaymodule including a display and a user interface, the user interfaceenabling a user to input commands into said apparatus, said userinterface further enabling said inspector to control a position of saidelongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipment articlebeing inspected, wherein said apparatus is configured to operate in ameasurement mode in which cursors can be positioned on said display forenabling an inspector to designate an area of a displayed image to besubject to a distance measurement, the apparatus further beingconfigured so that said apparatus can calculate a distance measurementbetween a pair of points designated to be subject to a distancemeasurement by placement of said cursors.

FIG. 3 a is a high level block diagram of an example of a circuit 2900that can be used for interfacing an elongated inspection module 12 witha control and display module. In one embodiment, the elongatedinspection module 12 comprises an imager, such as CCD sensor 2972 thatconverts received light into electrical signals representing an image,and a hybrid circuit 2974 that manipulates the electrical signals. Inone embodiment, the hybrid circuit 2974 includes a mixed mode ASIC thatprovides these functions. In another embodiment, the mixed mode hybridcomprises the video buffer, and one or more filters, and creates theimager drive signals from a single master clock signal into a digitaltiming circuit on the ASIC. The output of this timing circuit is levelshifted as necessary to meet the input levels required by the imager.Optionally, distortion correction of the image captured by the CCDsensor 2972 can be corrected for distortion, as described in; forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,401 or copending application No.60/691,359, filed Jun. 17, 2005 the entire disclosures of which areincorporated by reference herein. The elongated inspection module 12 isconnected to a pod 2960 that interfaces to the control and displaymodule, as described herein above. The pod 2960 in one embodimentcomprises wave shaping circuitry 2962, a pre-amplifier 2964, and anEEPROM 2966. The pre-amplifier 2964 amplifies the signals provided bythe CCD sensor 2972 as manipulated by the hybrid circuit 2974. The waveshaping circuitry 2962 is active to control the behavior of the CCDsensor 2972 as a function of time. The EEPROM 2966 is a memory thatcontains information relating to the type of elongated inspection module12, and in some instances, to a particular elongated inspection module12, the information useful for optimizing the behavior of the elongatedinspection module 12.

As previously described, the pod 2960 is in electrical communicationwith the control and display module. The EEPROM 2966 is inbi-directional digital communication with a microprocessor 2945 thatcontrols data acquisition from the elongated inspection module 12 andprocessing of the acquired data. The pre-amplifier 2964 is in electricalcommunication with an analog-to-digital converter (A/D) 2940. An analogvideo signal provided by the pre-amplifier is digitized by the A/D 2940.The output of the A/D is a parallel output, shown in the embodiment as a10-bit side output. A hash mark crossing a connector with a numericalvalue there above is intended to indicate the number of parallel linesthat the connection represents. In this regard, a connection from theA/D 2940 to the CCD digital signal processor (DSP) 2935 has a hash markthereon and the numerical value 10 there above. The wave shapingcircuitry 2962 receives a 7-bit signal representing seven differentclocks needed to drive a CCD imager of the type used, (e.g., 4 vertical,2 horizontal, and 1 reset gate clocks) from the CCD timing generator2930. The CCD timing generator 2930 also provides a timing signal forthe CCD DSP 2935 and for the A/D 2940, thereby synchronizing the A/D2940 and the CCD DSP 2935. The microprocessor 2945 is bi-directionallyconnected to the CCD DSP 2935 to permit the adjustment of variousprocessing parameters of the CCD DSP 2935 as needed when an elongatedinspection module 12 is replaced or changed, and to permit the CCD DSP2935 to send data to the microprocessor 2945. Microprocessor 2945 canreceive control inputs from control interface 1604 and, whereapplications are run at the base module 34, can transfer the inputs forreceipt and interpretation by processor 3106 of the base module 34.

A National Semiconductor DS92LV16 serializer/deserializer 2905 is usedto transmit information from the control and display module to the basemodule by way of the cable, and is also used to receive information sentfrom the base module to the control and display module by way of thecable. As described hereinabove, there are advantages to limiting thenumber of conductors required to communicate between the control anddisplay module and the base module. In the present embodiment, a twistedpair of conductors 2910 carries serialized digital signals from the basemodule to the control and display module, and a twisted pair ofconductors 2912 carries serialized digital signals from the control anddisplay module to the base module. In one embodiment, theserializer/deserializer 2905 receives the following digital signals fromthe control and display module components and converts the signals intoa serial stream of bits: one bit of synchronization signal from the CCDDSP 2935; 8 bits of video data from the CCD DSP 2935; one bit of clocksignal from the CCD DSP 2935; optionally, 3 bits of audio data from thecombination of a microphone 2955 which generates an audio analog signalthat is then digitized in an A/D 2950; and command signals from themicroprocessor 2945. In this embodiment, the deserializer portion of theserializer/deserializer 2905 receives a digital stream from the basemodule, and separates and formats the information contained in thedigital stream into the following signals: a one-bit video clock signalat a selected one of approximately 56.75 MHz for PAL video formatting orapproximately 68 MHz for NTSC video formatting; 11 bits of LCD data foroperating an LCD display; and command signals for use by themicroprocessor 2945. As will be explained with regard to FIG. 3 b, thevideo clock signal is generated at the base module. The video clocksignal is provided to each of a LCD data recovery device 2915 and to adivide-by-2 module 2925. The output of the divide-by-2 is provided toall of the LCD data recovery device 2915, the LCD 2920, and the CCDtiming generator 2930. The LCD data is provided to the LCD data recoverydevice 2915. The LCD data recovery device 2915 produces a 22-bit signal,comprising a one-bit timing signal, a one-bit horizontal synch signaland a one-bit vertical synch signal, and an 18-bit video signal fordisplay by the LCD display 1602.

FIG. 3 b is a high level block diagram of a base module circuit 3000used for interfacing a base module with a control and display module.Circuit 3000 can be incorporated within housing 34 h of base module 34.A second National Semiconductor DS92LV16 serializer/deserializer 3005 isused to transmit information from the base module to the control anddisplay module by way of the cable, and is also used to receiveinformation sent by the control and display module to the base module byway of the cable. As described herein above, there are advantages tolimiting the number of conductors required to communicate between thecontrol and display module and the base module. In the presentembodiment, a twisted pair of conductors 2910 carries serialized digitalsignals from the base module to the control and display module, and atwisted pair of conductors 2912 carries serialized digital signals fromthe control and display module to the base module. In one embodiment,the serializer/deserializer 3005 receives the following digital signalsfrom the base module components and converts the signals into a serialstream of bits: a one-bit video clock signal at a selected one ofapproximately 56.75 MHz for PAL video formatting or approximately 68 MHzfor NTSC video formatting from a programmable clock generator 3015, forexample the ISC307-02, a copy of which signal is also provided to theLCD display DSP 3010; 11 bits of LCD data for operating an LCD displayfrom the LCD display DSP 3010; and command signals from microprocessor3020. In this embodiment, the deserializer portion of theserializer/deserializer 3005 receives a digital stream from the controland display module, and separates and formats the information containedin the digital stream into the following signals: one bit ofsynchronization signal for use by the microprocessor 3020; 8 bits ofvideo data for use by the audio/video processor 3025; one bit of clocksignal for use by the audio/video processor 3025; optionally, 3 bits ofaudio data for use by the audio/video processor 3025; and commandsignals for the microprocessor 3020. The microprocessor 3020 providescommand signals for program control to the programmable clock generator3015.

There are also input and output signals associated with the base module.The audio/video processor 3025 provides 3 bits of digital audio signalsto the digital-to-analog converter (D/A) 3045 which generates analogaudio, that is provided to an audio output terminal. The audio/videoprocessor 3025 provides 8 bits of digital video signals to a videoencoder 3040. A clock signal having approximately 27 MHz frequency isprovided to the video encoder 3040, which provides an output signal inthe s-video format. The approximately 27 MHz frequency clock signal isalso provided to the programmable clock generator 3015, which uses thesignal to generate the PAL and/or NTSC video clocks, and to theaudio/video processor 3025. The approximately 27 MHz clock signal isprovided by one of a video decoder 3030 that accepts an s-video input,or by a 27 MHz reference clock. A switch 3050 is used to connect one,and only one, of the two 27 MHz signal sources to the programmable clockgenerator 3015, the video encoder 3040, and the audio/video processor3025. When the s-video input 3030 is active, a synch signal is providedfrom the input 3030 to the microprocessor 3020.

Referring to additional circuit components that can be incorporated intobase module 34, circuit 3000 can include a Pentium M microprocessor3106, host bus 3107, a North Bridge Intel 855GM chip 3108 with AGP VGAcontroller 3140 which is coupled to a volatile memory SD RAM labeledreference numeral 3110, a hub interface, and a South Bridge INTEL82801DB chip 3116. South Bridge 3116 is coupled to the described videosignal processing over PCI bus 3104. Referring to further aspects ofcircuit 3000, circuit 3000 includes program memory EEPROM 3112 coupledto South Bridge 3116, and a storage device 3114 such as a hard drivecouples to South Bridge 3116. South Bridge 3116 is also coupled to avariety of input/output and user interface devices including pointercontroller 3120 (e.g., mouse, trackball) a keyboard 3122, I/O interface3124, Ethernet interface 3126, and USB interface 3128. As is indicatedby block 3130, apparatus 100 can have one or more radio transceivercards for providing radio communication with an external radiotransceiver or radio block 3130 can be provided by one or more of anIEEE radio transceiver or a Bluetooth radio transceiver. As explained inconnection with the description of FIG. 6 a, apparatus 100 can include aGPS location detector 5206 outputting location coordinate values whichcan be coupled to South Bridge. Apparatus 100 can also include DSP block3102 for processing digital signals received from audio/video processingblock 3025. For collecting a media file apparatus 100 can save a mediafile into one or more suitable memory devices such as working memorydevice 3110 and/or storage device 3114. Apparatus 100 can utilizepipelining methods and/or frame buffering methods for associatingmetadata to media file.

Processor 3106 in one embodiment runs a multitasking operating systemsuch as LINUX or WINDOWS XP and supports the TCP/IP protocol stacktogether with an HTTP web browser supporting HTTP communications. Theprocessor 3106 can run advanced applications such as those capable ofinterpreting script and presenting graphical user interface applicationsin which a GUI can be displayed on display 1602 including, e.g.,Internet Explorer, spreadsheet applications. Pointer such as pointer7026 in such applications can be controlled with use of interface 1604;where joystick 5118 and a pair of buttons, e.g., buttons 5106 and 5114are used as a pointer controller. A dedicated laptop style touchpadpointer 5138 can also be integrated into control and display module 16as shown in FIG. 3 d.

In one embodiment microprocessor 2945 of control and display module 16like processor 3106 and computers 600-1, 700-1, 600-2, 700-2 can run amultitasking operating system, incorporate the TCP/IP protocol stack,and incorporate an HTTP web browser to supports HTTP communications. Inanother embodiment microprocessor 2945 does not incorporate a webbrowser, but nevertheless is able to display HTML files such as form7000 when provided by an HTML file and form 8000 when provided by anHTML file. Any computer of system 1000, e.g., computer 100-1, 100-2,100-3, 600-1, 600-2, 700-1, or 700-2, can be configured to be capable ofsearching stored files to identify desired files, such as for example,files relating to prior inspections of industrial components or manualsassociated with such components. As discussed more fully herein inconnection with metadata, the search ability of the system mayoptionally be enhanced by tying searching for files to indexing metadataassociated with the files. When searching is performed at apparatus 100,searching commands can be input into a user interface of the base module34 or, alternatively, the control and display module 16. The specificsoftware usable for such searching may be by means of a customLINUX-based application or by an existing commercial application, suchas; for example, GOOGLE DESKTOP or WINDOWS EXPLORER. For enablingcontrol and display module display 1602 to display web pages withoutincorporating web browsing software into control and display module 16,desktop display images created at base module 34 can be captured by basemodule processor 3106 and sent over serializer circuit 3005. For displayof a form provided by an HTML file at display 1602 of control anddisplay module 16, processor 3106 can capture desktop images developedat AGP VGA controller 3140 of North Bridge; send the VGA image data toDSP 3010 at a rate of about 10 frames per second. DSP 3010 in turn canfeed the image data to serializer circuit 3005 for receipt at controland display module 16. While the visual inspection system describedherein is particularly useful in an industrial equipment article visualinspection system it will be appreciated that its features can find usein other inspection systems including visual inspection systems forinspecting objects other than industrial equipment articles.

FIG. 3 c is a perspective drawing that illustrates features of a controland display module 16. A drawing of the front face of the control anddisplay module, including an embodiment of a user control interface 1604is shown. Various buttons are provided for the user to depress in orderto issue commands, such as the button 5110 marked with an arrow thatcauses a then active program to exit when the button 5110 is depressed.Other buttons are marked, and perform preprogrammed functions asfollows: the button 5112 marked “Zoom” permits the operator to zoom in(or with the use of a toggle switch, to zoom out) on an image ofinterest; the button 5102 marked “Save” permits the operator to save thecurrent image; the button 5104 marked “Record” permits the user torecord video; the button 5114 marked “Menu” upon activation by a userdisplays a menu, and when activated a second time, turns off the displayof the menu. Joystick 5118 enables an inspector to manipulate a positionof elongated inspection module 12. In FIG. 3 c there is also showncontent from an excerpt from a product manual. Appendix A which isattached as an appendix to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/786,829 filed Mar. 27, 2006 is also incorporated herein by reference.The appendix describes exemplary configurations for actuators of controlinterface 1604 and numerous additional features that can be incorporatedinto system 1000. In another embodiment, control interface 1604 caninclude a touch screen overlay disposed over display 1602.

Guiding an Inspector

In one embodiment apparatus 100 can be configured to guide an inspectorin performance of an inspection procedure. In the illustrative exampledescribed with reference to the screen shot views of FIGS. 4 a-4 d andthe flow diagram of FIG. 4 e apparatus 100 guides an inspector through aprocess of inspecting an equipment article such as an aircraft engine oranother industrial equipment article. In the example described apparatus100 can be configured (adapted) to provide feedback to an inspectorindicating when a step of a procedure has been completed. Apparatus 100in the described example can also be configured to indicate to aninspector when a procedure has been completed and can be configured toencourage an inspector to complete a procedure by disabling userinterface controls which normally allow an inspector quit performance ofan inspection procedure. In effect apparatus 100 operates as anelectronic instruction manual having all of the content of a paperinstruction manual with the content of the instruction manual beinginteractively communicated to an inspector. In the screen shot views thescene displays can be displayed on display 1602 of hand held control anddisplay module 16. These views in a default mode of apparatus 100 can besimultaneously displayed on monitor 42 of apparatus 100.

Referring to the flow diagram of FIG. 4 e, apparatus 100 at block 4002can wait for an inspector to initiate a procedure for inspecting aspecific equipment article. At block 4002 apparatus 100 may bedisplaying menu screen with text indicating a number of candidateinspection procedures. The text may be the serial number of severalequipment articles, each serial number indicating a different candidateinspection procedure. When a specific one of the inspection proceduremenu options is selected, e.g., by actuating button 5106, apparatus 100can proceed to block 4004 to display a root screen display displayingtext describing each step of an inspection procedure. As shown in FIG. 4a, by way of example a root screen display can display at area 4102 textdescribing the steps of an inspection procedure including the steps of1, collect image file, 2, collect measurement, and 3, collect videofile. Of course an inspection procedure can have different types ofsteps (e.g., an audio file collection step) a greater number of steps afewer number of steps, a different arrangement of steps and/or redundantsteps (e.g., two image capture steps). System 1000 in some embodimentsas will be described herein can be configured to support a data entrystep and a step performance acknowledgement step. In the example ofFIGS. 4 a-4 d, apparatus 100 displays on display 1602 a live streamingvideo view of the equipment article being inspected throughout the timean inspection procedure is being conducted.

Referring again to the flow diagram of FIG. 4 e, apparatus 100 afterexecuting optional decision blocks 4008, 4012 which will be described ingreater detail herein can proceed to block 4016 to determine whether astep of the procedure has been completed. Apparatus 100 can carry outthe processing of block 4016 in a number of alternative ways. Forexample, apparatus at block 4016 can determine whether an appropriatecombination of controls of user interface, e.g., interface 1602 has beenactuated. Also at block 4016, apparatus 100 can monitor the contents ofa memory of apparatus 100, e.g., memory 3110 or 3114 to determinewhether the apparatus has collected a file that is consistent with therequirement of a step. For example, if a step requires there to be animage file collected, apparatus 100 can monitor at block 4016 whetherapparatus 100 has collected an image file. For configuring apparatus 100to determine whether a step of an inspection procedure has beencompleted, apparatus 100 can retain a list 4050 an exemplaryillustration of which is shown in FIG. 4 f. List 4050 can include atleast one column 4052 indicating the file types of files that need to becollected but in some embodiment as is indicated in FIG. 4 f the listcan be a table having additional columns such as characteristics column4054 and ordering column 4056 where a completion of a procedure in aspecific ordering is required. For execution of the processing at block4016, apparatus 100 can compare a last collected file collected byapparatus 100 to the retained list 4050 to determine whether the lastcollected file corresponds to a file required by list 4050. List 4050can be regarded to represent steps of an inspection procedure to beperformed. If apparatus 100 at block 4016 determines that a step hasbeen completed, apparatus 100 can proceed to block 4020 to update thescreen display so that the screen display displayed by apparatus 100displays an updated screen display providing feedback to the userindicating that apparatus 100 has determined that a step of theprocedure has been completed. An exemplary operation of screen displayupdate of block 4020 is illustrated in connection with the screen shotviews of FIGS. 4 a and 4 b. If apparatus 100 determines that apparatus100 has successfully collected an image file satisfying step 1 of theillustrated procedure apparatus 100 can at block 4020 update the screendisplay so that the screen display is in the form shown in FIG. 4 b withtext 4112 describing the collect image file step of the procedurehighlighted. In the example provided, the text 4112 describing the imagefile collection step is displayed in bold font and a checkmark isdisplayed adjacent the text. It will be understood that other types ofhighlighting would be suitable, e.g., different color, different font,removal of the text altogether. In addition or in the alternative at thetime apparatus 100 executes block 4020 to update a screen display,apparatus 100 may emit a beep or other acoustic output to confirm to aninspector that apparatus 100 has determined that a step has beencompleted. Whether a display is updated or an acoustic output isactuated an inspector can be provided with feedback indicating apparatus100 has determined that a step has been successfully completed.

Referring again to the flow diagram of FIG. 4 e apparatus 100 at block4022 can determine whether all of the steps of a present procedure havebeen performed, e.g., by referencing list 4050 and can proceed to block4022 if all of the steps have been completed. List 4050 can have a flagcolumn 4058 having a flag for each represented step that is raised whenapparatus 100 determines that a step of an inspection procedure has beencompleted. In the described example apparatus 100 will not proceed toblock 4026 until a measurement step (step 2) has been completed and avideo file collection step (step 3) has been collected. For completionof a measurement step an inspector may input controls into userinterface 1602 to enter a measurement mode in which cursors 4192 aredisplayed on display 1602. The cursors can be positioned on said displayfor enabling an inspector to designate an area of a displayed image tobe subject to a distance (length) measurement. In a measurement mode,the apparatus can calculate a distance (length) measurement between apair of points designated to be subject to a distance measurement byplacement of the cursors. In measurement mode, a distance (length)measurement may be collected by apparatus 100, e.g., relating to alength of a crack on an equipment article being inspected. When adistance measurement is collected the measurement data may be includedinto an image file, e.g., by writing the measurement data into an emptyfield of the image file. Accordingly, where media files are referred toherein it is understood that such reference can be a reference tomeasurement data such as distance measurement data. At block 4016apparatus 100 may determine that a measurement step has beensuccessfully performed by reference to list 4050. Specifically,apparatus 100 may reference characteristic column 4054 and determinethat measurement step has been successfully completed if apparatus 100determines that an image file including measurement data has beencollected. Referring to the screen shot view of FIG. 4 c, apparatus 100when determining that a measurement step has been completed (block 4016)may update the screen display (block 4020) so that text 4114 describingthe measurement step is highlighted.

Referring still the flow diagram of FIG. 4 e, apparatus 100 candetermine that step 3 of the described procedure (video file collection)has been completed when apparatus 100 determines referencing list 4050that a video file has been collected. When determining that a video filehas been collected (block 4016) apparatus 100 can proceed to block 4020to update the screen display so that displayed on display 1602 is ascreen display as shown in FIG. 4 d with text 4116 describing the videofile collection step highlighted. After updating the screen display tothe state indicated by area 4102 of apparatus 100 in executing block4022 may (again referencing list 4050) determine that all steps of theinspection procedure have been completed and can thereafter proceed toblock 4026 to display a confirmation message on display such as“INSPECTION PROCEDURE COMPLETE!” as indicated in the view of FIG. 4 dproviding positive feedback to the inspector indicating that a procedurehas been completed. Apparatus 100 can then proceed to block 4030 toenable exiting, e.g., by restoring an exit functioning to an exit buttonas will be described and then to block 4034 to determine, e.g., if anexit button 5110 has been actuated. If an enabled exit button isactuated, apparatus 100 may proceed to block 4038 to exit the currentinspection procedure and return to a previous mode such as thepreviously described menu display mode. As an alternative to block 4038apparatus 100 may automatically exit the current inspection proceduremode after a confirmation message is displayed at block 4026 for timesufficient for the inspector to comprehend the message (e.g., 2seconds).

In one embodiment, apparatus 100 may have a user interface button, suchas button 5110 (FIG. 3 c) which is normally configured to execute anEXIT function. For example, apparatus 100 can be configured so that whenEXIT button 5110 is actuated, program control reverts to previousprogram or a present mode of operation is exited. For example, apparatus100 can be configured so that actuation of EXIT button 5110, when a livestreamlining video image is being displayed on display 1602, causesapparatus 100 to exit the live view mode and return to previous non liveview mode such as menu mode active prior to the live view mode beingcommenced wherein a variety of menu options are displayed (e.g., aplurality of candidate inspection procedure options).

In accordance with a particular guide related feature, apparatus 100 canbe configured so that as part of block 4004 apparatus 100 disables anexit function of an EXIT button 5110 of apparatus 100 such thatactuation of the exit button will not be effective to provide a normalexit function normally associated with actuation of the button untilapparatus 100 restores the exit functioning. It will be seen thatdisabling of an exit functioning in the manner described in connectionwith the flow diagram of FIG. 4 e can encourage an inspector to completeevery step of a procedure to significantly reduce incidents where aninspection procedure has to be re-performed as a result of all of therequired data shot being collected.

Additional aspects of an illustrative guide feature are described withreference to blocks 4008 and block 4012. At block 4008 apparatus 100 candetermine whether an inspector has made an attempt to exit the presentinspection procedure, e.g., by actuating EXIT button 5110 previouslydisabled at block 4004 prior to a determination by apparatus 100 atblock 4022 that all steps required of the present inspection procedurehave been completed. If apparatus 100 at block 4008 determines theinspector has made a prohibited attempt to exit prior to the requiredsteps of a procedure being completed, apparatus 100 can proceed to block4040 to display a message on display 1602 for a period of time thatallows comprehension such as “INSPECTION PROCEDURE NOT COMPLETE” or“MORE STEPS REQUIRED” or another similar message indicating to aninspector that a present inspection procedure is not complete. As partof executing block 4040, apparatus 100 can also send a message to anexternal computer 600-1, 600-2 indicating that an inspector has made anattempt to exit an inspection procedure prior to its completion. System1000 can be configured so that an external computer 600-1, 600-2 inresponse to receipt of such a message actuates an acoustic output and ordisplays a message on a display 600-1 d, 600-2 d of the externalcomputer. A supervisor at external computer 600-1 and/or 600-2 cancontrol the external computer to send a command to apparatus 100 toenable exit button 5110 if the supervisor decides to grant clearance toexit the inspection procedure prior to completion. An activation of anEXIT button when exiting is prohibited in one aspect and can be regardedto be a request to override the EXIT control disablement.

At block 4012 apparatus 100 can determine whether there has been anerror in attempting to complete a step of a procedure. For example, if aspecific ordering of collection of media files is required in aninspection procedure, apparatus 100 at block 4016 can determine thatthere has been an error in an attempt to complete a step if apparatus100 has collected a new file but in referencing list 4050 determinesthat the new file is not of the type required to be collected in view ofthe required ordering. Apparatus 100 can also determine at block 4012that there has been an error in attempt to complete a step if a new filehas been collected but is not of a file type present on list 4050 or ispresent on list 4050 but already collected. Apparatus 100 can alsodetermine at block 4012 that there has been an error in an attempt toperform a step if correct file type has been collected but that the filetype does not satisfy specified requirements. Referring tocharacteristic column 4054 of list 4050 there can be requirement that acollected video file have a certain duration requirement. If apparatus100 were to collect a video file of less than 10 seconds in theillustrative example, apparatus 100 can determine that there has been anerror in an attempted performance of a step. Where apparatus 100determines that there has been an error in an attempt to perform a step,apparatus 100 can proceed to block 4044 to execute an error routine.Such a routine can comprise, e.g., displaying a message on display 1602,e.g., “FILE ARLEADY COLLECTED” “INSUFFICIENT VIDEO LENGTH” correspondingto the situation to indicate to an inspector that the apparatus 100 hasdetermined that there has been an error in an attempt to complete astep. Such negative feedback can be expected to discourage the inspectorfrom repeating the error and to focus the attention of the inspector. Inaddition, as part of the error routine, block 4040 apparatus 100 canerase any partial or full files that it determines were collectedpursuant to an attempt to complete a step made in error. Such erasuresaves memory space, adds clarity to generated reports, and eliminatestime that would have to be compiled by data management agents inanalyzing erroneous data.

While a useful embodiment has been described with reference to FIGS. 4a-4 f wherein an inspector is guided through an inspection procedure, itwill be described later herein that guiding of an inspector can beenhanced with use of forms which among other advantages efficientlyallow an inspector to enter inspector-defined data and efficiently allowreconfiguring of apparatus so that apparatus performs adeveloper-defined guiding function. For example, the program functiondescribed with reference to the processing functions of the flow diagramof FIG. 4 e together with the data of list 4050 can be provided for withscript that is included in a form. While different flow diagram areincluded herein to highlight specific features it is understood thatapparatus 100 need not incorporate all of the functions of any givenflow chart and furthermore that apparatus 100 can advantageously combinecollectively and simultaneously all of the advantages described withreference to each flow diagram.

Metadata Association

In one aspect of system 1000, media files (image files and video filesincluding audiovisual files) can be associated with “metadata,” i.e.,data about the data, and in one embodiment, data that describes thefiles. Files can be associated with metadata at apparatus 100 so thatthe files can later be easily organized and analyzed. The associatingcan be accomplished, e.g., by referencing a collected media file withina text file having the metadata expressed in text of the text filesuitable for referencing a media file (e.g., HTML, XML) or by embeddingthe metadata within a media file. The set of metadata-associated filesare thereby in a form suitable for searching. Further, the set ofmetadata-tagged files can be processed by an application which processesthe files into a form that further enhances the capacity of the mediafiles to be searched and/or analyzed.

Metadata can be regarded as being data that describes other data. In thepresently described system 1000 metadata can be data that describesmedia files. In examples provided, metadata can include among othertypes of data, data indicating an environment condition, equipment orjob number of a media collection procedure. A flow diagram illustratingsteps of associating metadata to media files is shown in FIG. 5 a. Atblock 5002 apparatus 100 waits for apparatus 100 to be powered up. Atblock 5004, apparatus 100 creates a file directory (folder) for allmedia data to be collected during an inspector's procedure that lastsfrom the time of power up at block 5002 until the time the procedure isexited at block 5010. At block 5006 apparatus 100 waits for an inspectorto initiate collection of a media file. To initiate media filecollection, an inspector may press button 5102 to initiate collecting astill image file or may press Button 5104 to initiate collection of avideo file. When initiating a media file collection, an inspector may beoperating apparatus 100 in a measurement mode in which cursors can bepositioned on said display for enabling an inspector to designate anarea of a displayed image to be subject to a distance (length)measurement. In a measurement mode, the apparatus can calculate adistance (length) measurement between a pair of points designated to besubject to a distance measurement by placement of the cursors. When amedia file collection is initiated with the apparatus in a measurementmode a media file collected pursuant to the initiation can includemeasurement data. At block 5008 apparatus 100 associates metadata withmedia file data. At block 5008 apparatus 100 can associate metadata in avariety of different ways examples of which are described with referenceto FIGS. 5 b and 5 c. Referring to FIG. 5 c, an apparatus 100 canassociate a media file 5018 and metadata 5020 by writing a reference toa media file 5018 and the metadata 5020 to a common file 5022. In theembodiment illustrated, the text file 5022 can be in a markup languagetext file format, such as XML or HTML suitable for retaining text andfor retaining a reference to media file 5020 such as an image file andvideo file. In the embodiment illustrated with reference to FIG. 5 b,apparatus 100 associates metadata 5020 with a media file by writing themetadata 5020 to the media file 5018. As indicated in the view of FIG. 5c, a media file 5018 can have image/video data fields 5182, filecharacterizing fields 5184 e.g., compression information and emptyfields 5186. For associating metadata with a media file apparatus 100can write the metadata to an empty field 5186 of media file 5018. Mediafile 5018 in the example of FIG. 5 c can be e.g., a PDF file, a TIFfile, a BMP file, a JPG file, an AVI file, an MOV file, an MPEG file, anASF file or another type of image or video file including audiovisual(multimedia files). Media file 5018 can also be an audio file (e.g.,WAV). In the example of FIG. 5 c, metadata 5020 is included into a mediafile 5018. Media file 5018 having metadata 5020 can be transferred to acomputer, e.g., 600-1, 700-1, 600-2, 700-2 external and spaced apartfrom apparatus 100 so that both a media file and metadata associatedwith the media file can be transferred with a transfer of the singlemedia file. Metadata 5020 can be conveniently expressed in N-bit valuessuch as byte (8-bit) values. In one embodiment apparatus 100 canassociate metadata to a media file by redundantly executing both of themethods described in connection with FIGS. 5 b and 5 c.

Still referring to the flow diagram of FIG. 5 a, apparatus 100 at block5010 may determine whether a media file collection procedure (inspectionprocedure) has been completed. At block 5010 apparatus 100 may determinewhether an inspector has ended a media file collection procedure bypressing a procedure exit button such as button 5110. If an exit buttonhas not been pressed, apparatus 100 can proceed back to block 5006 towait for an inspector to press button 5102 or 5104 to initiate acollection of another media file. If at block 5006 apparatus 100determines an inspection procedure has been elected, apparatus 100proceeds to block 5011 to package the metadata-associated media files.At block 5011 apparatus 100 may package metadata associated media filesby writing all of the files of the present media file collectionprocedure into a common folder. Alternatively, all of the metadataassociated media files of the procedure may already have, by default,been written into a common folder. Apparatus 100 can then process all ofthe files or the folder into a packaging file for containing severalfiles such as a ZIP file, processing the folder containing the severalmetadata associated files into a ZIP file compressing the files. Atblock 5012 apparatus 100 may transfer the ZIP file to an externalcomputer such as computer 600-1, 700-1, 600-2, 700-2 for furtherprocessing. Apparatus 100 may carry out all of the steps described inFIG. 5 a automatically without user input other than the inputinitiating the media file collection.

In a free metadata-association mode, which can also be regarded as apassive metadata associating mode, the inspector can interact with aninspection apparatus much in the manner of the prior art (e.g., can betaking hand written notes regarding files collected), but neverthelessbenefits from having media files associated (tagged) with metadata. Inthe free metadata-association mode an inspection apparatus receivesinput from one or more sensors in proximity with the location ofinspection—external cameras, location sensors (e.g., GPS), temperaturesensors, audio sensors, and the like and associates the collected mediafiles with data from the sensors together with a timestamp from theapparatus. The set of metadata associated files can be processed by anapplication to generate a standardized index for the files (equipment #,job #) using the metadata and the index can be applied to the files. Inthe free metadata-association mode an inspector can rather carelessly“snap away” collecting media files without annotating the collectioneither manually of through data input and still collect a set of filesthat are indexed for searching and/or analysis. Referring to FIG. 6 a, afree metadata association mode is described in further detail. In themode of operation depicted in FIG. 6 a, apparatus 100 passively receivesmetadata from a variety of sensors and automatically associates themetadata with each media file that is collected by apparatus 100 inresponse to user input during a media file collection procedure. In theembodiment of FIG. 6 a, apparatus 100 receives sensor input from mountedcamera 5202 external to apparatus 100 and thermal sensor 5204 externalto apparatus 100. Camera 5202 and sensor 5204 can be appropriatelyconfigured with suitable hardware and software to send sensor signals toapparatus 100 and apparatus 100 can be appropriately configured withhardware and software for receiving such signals. Apparatus 100 can alsohave a plurality of internal sensors disposed within housing 34 h suchas a GPS sensor 5206 and audio sensor 3137 (e.g., microphone) as shownin FIG. 3 b. Apparatus 100 can also have a temperature sensor that canbe disposed within camera head assembly as is described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/869,822 filed Jun. 16, 2004, entitled “BorescopeComprising Fluid Supply System” incorporated herein by reference.Processor 3106 shown in FIG. 3 b can be configured to receive signalsfrom all of the above types of sensors, develop metadata from thesignals, and associate all of the above types of data into each mediafile that is collected during an inspection procedure or media filecollection procedure so that each media file collected is a metadataassociated media file. Another type of metadata that can be associatedwith media files, together with the sensor output metadata is a timestamp. Apparatus 100 can be configured to periodically request anaccurate time from a remote server (not shown) on the Internet throughIP network in order to periodically update an internal clock which usedby apparatus 100 to time stamp collected files so that collected filesare associated with metadata in the free metadata association mode. Thefree metadata association mode can be carried out simultaneously withother operating modes. For example in all applications where procedurespecific data is associated with collected files as metadata, the sensordevice output data and timestamp data can also be associated withcollected files as metadata.

As indicated, in addition to utilizing data from sensors and a timestamp as metadata it may be desirable to utilize as metadata forassociation with collected files data particular to a current inspectionprocedure being performed such as equipment # (e.g., serial number),site, component name, component #, area of interest, kind of defect, job#, inspector and the like. Such data can, according to the principlesset forth herein be defined by a developer. For example, a developerdeveloping a program running the application described in connectionwith the flow diagram of FIG. 4 e can incorporate such procedurespecific data into the code of the program which code may be eithercompiled code or script. One advantage of utilizing forms as will bedescribed further herein is that with forms, robust procedure specificdata for association with media files and other files can be easilydefined by any person including persons without any understanding ofcomputer language or program coding. Another advantage accruing from theuse of forms as will be described herein is that with forms featureswhich guide an inspector in performing an inspection are readilydefined.

Use of Forms in Guided Metadata Associating Application

In the illustrative example described with reference to FIGS. 7 a and 7c an application is described in which forms are utilized to guide aninspector in performing an inspection procedure and are further utilizedin defining and accessing through inspector input data that associatedinto collected files as metadata. Forms as are described herein cancontain instructions guiding an inspector regarding, e.g., still imagepictures to be taken of an equipment article and or measurements to betaken of an article and have features that allow an inspector tomaintain accurate knowledge as to where the inspector is in aninspection procedure. For example, it will be appreciated from thepresent description that an inspection procedure application having allof the inspector guiding features described in the embodiment of FIGS. 4a-4 f and numerous additional guiding features can be implementedutilizing forms. Included in file data of the forms described in theexample of FIGS. 7 a-7 c can be data, such as job # or equipment #,suitable for use as metadata when media files are collected. In theexample of FIGS. 7 a-7 c data for use as metadata can be data that isparsed from a form and passed as metadata into a metadata associatedfile. In addition the forms can prompt an inspector to enter data into adata entry field and such input data can passed as metadata into ametadata associated file. In one embodiment the forms are provided by aset of linked HTML files.

Referring to the illustrative example more specifically, FIG. 7 a showsa view (screen shot) of screen display displayed on display 1602 ofcontrol and display module 16. Apparatus 100 by default cansimultaneously display the content of a screen display that is displayedon display 1602 of module 16 on monitor 42. Apparatus 100 canalternately by default also display a “desktop” display screen as willbe described herein at display 42 simultaneously while display 1602 isdisplaying a live streaming video view. Thus, the screen shots describedwith reference to FIGS. 7 a and 7 b and all those depicting display bycontrol and display module 16 can be regarded as screen shots displayedon monitor 42. In FIG. 7 a, there is shown a screen display whereinapparatus 100 displays a form 7000 on display 1602. Form 7000 aids aninspector in collecting metadata during an inspection procedure. Form7000 can carry metadata for associating with collected media files,e.g., according to an association method described herein above. Form7000 can be built prior to the time that it is displayed as shown inFIG. 7 a for use during a media file collection procedure. Form 7000 canbe built, e.g., at apparatus 100 or at another computer 600-1, 700-1,600-2, 700-2 and then transferred to apparatus 100. In one embodiment,form 7000 is an HTML file shown in displayed (opened) form. When form7000 is built, metadata can be coded into the form. For example,metadata expressed as text can be written into an HTML file providingthe form. Such metadata can include, e.g., job # or equipment #.Accordingly, when form 7000 resides at apparatus 100, apparatus 100 canparse the metadata from the form and pass the metadata to any collectedmedia file. Referring to aspects of form 7000, form 7000 includes adepiction 7027 of an equipment article being subject to an inspectionprocedure plurality of “hot spots,” 501-IN, 502-IN, 503-IN, 504-IN,505-IN. The hot spots are located at spaced apart locations of anequipment article depiction (in the case shown a piping system)corresponding to spaced apart physical locations of the equipmentarticle being subject to inspection. The hot spots indicate specificareas of an equipment article requiring inspection.

The hot spots 501-IN, 502-IN, 503-IN, 504-IN, 505-IN prompt an inspectorto conduct an inspection procedure in a series of stages wherein datarelating to a different physical area of an equipment article is to becollected during execution of each stage. In the example of FIGS. 4 a-4f, steps of a procedure were defined. In the example of FIGS. 7 a-7 c itis seen further that, for purposes of guiding an inspector, stages canbe defined for an inspection procedure, wherein each stage can have oneor more procedure steps. In the example of FIGS. 7 a-7 c each stagerelates to a specific physical area of an equipment article, i.e., thedata to be collected during completion of a particular stage shouldrelate to a particular physical area of an equipment article beinginspected. However, it will be noted stage definitions can be providedfor an inspection procedure for purposes of improving an organization ofa procedure to thereby guide an inspector without the stages relating toan area of physical location.

Referring again to the screen display (view) of FIG. 7 a, when any oneof the hot spots is actuated (selected), a live view corresponding tothe present field of view of camera head assembly 14 can be viewed by aninspector. A hot spot as in all the views showing hot spots displayed ona control and display module 16 can be actuated by moving cursor 7026using joystick 5118 and then clicking on using a designated button ofuser interface 1604. A flow diagram illustrating a form driven metadataassembly method is presented in FIG. 7 c. At block 5302 an inspectorenters a media file collection procedure e.g., by clicking button 5106to drive apparatus 100 from a mode in which it displays a menu ofcandidate inspection procedure applications and at block 5304 apparatus100 displays form 7000. At block 5306 apparatus 100 waits for a hot spotto be actuated and at block 5308 a live view is actuated by pressing anappropriate button of control and display module 16 or base module 34 toactuate a hot spot, e.g., 503-IN. The hot spots coupled with theequipment article depiction of form 7000 guide an inspector bypresenting an indication of an equipment article being inspected and agraphical depiction of separate physical areas of an equipment articlesubject to inspection. At block 5310 apparatus 100 determines if aninspector has depressed an appropriate button to initiate media filecollection. When initiating a media file collection, an inspector may beoperating apparatus 100 in a measurement mode in which cursors can bepositioned on said display for enabling an inspector to designate anarea of a displayed image to be subject to a distance (length)measurement. In a measurement mode, the apparatus can calculate adistance (length) measurement between a pair of points designated to besubject to a distance measurement by placement of the cursors. At block5312 apparatus 100 proceeds to read (parse) metadata from form 7000. Themetadata parsed form, form 7000 can be, e.g., metadata indicatingequipment # or job #. At block 5312 apparatus 100 can also read datainput into a form by an inspector. As shown in FIG. 7 a, form 7000 canhave data entry fields 7002, 7004. Within data entry fields 7002, 7004an inspector can input various data for use as media file associatedmetadata. Such metadata can include, e.g., inspector number, inspectorname, or inspector comments. At block 5314 apparatus 100 can associatethe read metadata at block 5312 with a media file using an associationmethod described herein. At block 5316 apparatus 100 determines if aprocedure exit button has been actuated and if not, apparatus 100returns to block 5304 to display form 7000 and to wait for an inspectorto actuate another hot spot. When an inspector exists a media filecollection procedure, e.g., by depressing procedure exit button 5110,apparatus 100 proceeds to block 5318 to create a ZIP file containing allof the metadata associated media files collected in the just competedmedia file collection (inspection procedure) procedure. Apparatus 100can be configured by default to retain all media files collected in amedia file collection procedure into a common folder. At block 5320,apparatus 100 can transfer the ZIP file created at block 5318 to aspaced apart external computer such as computer 600-1, 700-1, 600-2,700-2 for further processing. Where not otherwise noted, all of thesteps of the flow diagram may be executed automatically by apparatus 100without any inspector control input to user interface 1604 or interface3120, 3122. As part of block 5320, apparatus 100 can also store the ZIPfile into a storage device of apparatus 100.

Report Generation Utilizing Forms

In the illustrative embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 8 a and8 b, another application is described in which a set of one or moreforms is utilized to guide an inspector in performing an inspection andin associating metadata to media files collected during an inspection.According to a noteworthy guiding feature in the example of FIGS. 8 aand 8 b, a procedure is divided into “stages” of inspection each stagerelating to a different physical location of an equipment location thatis designated by a hot spot on a form depiction 7027 corresponding theequipment article being inspected. In the example of FIGS. 8 a and 8 ban inspector is provided with feedback indicating when a stage ofinspection has been completed. In the example of FIGS. 8 a and 8 b thereis also provided an example of a report that be generated with use of aform.

A visual inspection apparatus 100 can be configured to generate anorganized, user-interactive report organizing files collected during aninspection procedure and enabling each of an inspector and other personsat external workstations to contemporaneously review the report duringexecution of an inspection procedure and after an inspection iscomplete. A report may be generated utilizing a set of one or more formsfor display on an apparatus display, and in one embodiment is alwaysavailable for viewing by an inspector and by persons in viewing range ofeach display equipped computer of the visual inspection system. At anytime during process of inspection the report can be viewed real time onthe apparatus display or external display. A report can comprise a rootform with hotspots linking various files collected during execution ofan inspection procedure, and the files, in one particular embodiment canbe saved into a set of file directories established utilizinginformation from a form. The set of file directories can exist oncomputer memory or removable media. The interactive report can betransferred onto a network, solid state memory, or any storage devicefor viewing. A report can also be a simple listing of the files andassociated metadata with one file.

Enhanced operations that can be carried out by apparatus 100 when aninspector carries out an inspection procedure as are described withreference to the flow diagram of FIG. 8 a. The processes of the flowdiagram are similar to those described with reference to the flowdiagram of FIG. 7 c with certain enhancements as indicated hereinabove.Specifically, apparatus 100 according to the flow diagram of FIG. 8 a atblock 5403 utilizes a form set including at least one form to build afile directory structure and to generate a report; at block 5422 saveseach file collected to an allocated directory; at block updates a reportfor review of collected media files and at block 5406 relative to aguiding feature changes an appearance of a hot spot on the root form5426.

Referring to the steps of the flow diagram of FIG. 8 a morespecifically, apparatus 100 at block 5402 can wait for an inspectionprocedure application to be initiated. An inspector can initiate aninspection procedure application, e.g., by opening a procedure formdeveloped for guiding the inspection being conducted. The form can beopened, e.g., by using an interface to locate the form in a memory ofapparatus 100 and then opening the file or by sending a URL fromapparatus 100 if the desired form file is stored on server 700-2 whereserver 700-2 is an Internet server. Also, as has been indicated in theexample of FIG. 7 a and through 7 c apparatus at block 5402 can be in amode displaying a menu of candidate inspection procedure applicationssuch that selection of one of the menu options with use of a button ofinterface 1604 causes apparatus to enter a procedure application. When aprocedure has been initiated, apparatus 100 proceeds to block 5403 toutilize the form to build a file directory structure for saving of mediafiles collected during the procedure. More particularly, at block 5403apparatus 100 can examine or otherwise utilize a stage definition of aninspection procedure application in establishing a directory structure.In one embodiment, apparatus 100 in establishing a directory structurecan establish a specific file directory for each stage that has beendefined in a stage definition for an inspection procedure application.It has been mentioned that inspection procedures for purposes of guidingan inspector and for improved data organization can be broken down intostages each stage including one or more procedure steps. In the exampleof the form 7000 of FIG. 7 a an area of an equipment article to beinspected during each stage is designated on an equipment articledepiction with a hot spot disposed on specific area of an equipmentarticle depiction. Accordingly, it is seen that where hot spots are usedon form to indicate particular areas of an equipment article to beinspected during execution of a stage of a procedure, or otherwiseindicate a stage definition of an inspection procedure application,apparatus 100 can determine a stage definition for an inspectionprocedure application by determining a number of hot spots on a form.Therefore, in executing block 5403, apparatus 100 can examine a numberof hot spots on form 7000 and can set up a root directory (folder)corresponding to the procedure and one child folder for each hot spot ofthe form. Also, an apparatus 100 can utilize a form and moreparticularly a stage definition of an inspection procedure applicationby way of executing code (e.g., code instructing the establishing of adirectory structure) included on a form that was built by a form builderbased on a stage definition established with use of the form builder. Inthe example of FIG. 7 a, root form 7000 has five hot spots. Accordingly,apparatus 100 at block 5403 can establish a root directory (folder) forthe procedure and five child folders, one child folder for each hotspot. If subpages of the form have hot spots defining substages,apparatus 100 can set up a directory structure having more than twotiers of hierarchy. An example of a possible file directory of apparatusis shown in FIG. 8 b. Folders 5502, 5504, 5506 can be folders forinspection procedures conducted without stage definitions (e.g. as inthe example of FIGS. 4 a-4 f) and without use of a form containinghotspots. Folders 5502, 5504, 5506 are, nevertheless, namedadvantageously using timestamps corresponding to the time that theinspection was completed. Folders 5510, 5512, 5514, 5516, 5518, 5520 area set of folders set up where a form having hot spots is used to guidean inspection. Folder 5510 is root folder for the inspection procedureand folders 5512, 5514, 5516, 5518, 5520 are child folders there beingone child folder for each hot spot. It can be seen from the namingscheme of the folders that apparatus 100 can read data from a form setincluding at least one form in naming folders. In naming folder 5510corresponding to the equipment # of the equipment being subject toinspection apparatus 100 can read equipment # data included in a formset. In naming child folders 5512, 5514, 5516, 5518, 5520 correspondingto the hot spots, apparatus 100 can also read data from the form set. Itcan be seen that apparatus 100 can utilize a form in establishing a filedirectory in a variety of different ways. In establishing a number ofdirectories apparatus 100 can examine the content of a form set or elsemay run script included in the form set established by form builder foruse by apparatus 100 in establishing such directories. In determiningthe names of folders that are set up, apparatus can read data from theset of forms. Also at block 5403 apparatus 100 can generate a report andcan broadcast a report as will be described herein.

Referring still to the flow diagram of FIG. 8 a, apparatus 100 at block5404 can display a root form such as root form 7000 described withreference to FIG. 7 a and at block 5406 apparatus 100 can wait for a hotspot of the form to be actuated. When a specific hot spot has beenactuated, apparatus 100 proceeds to block 5408 to display a displayscreen having an appearance as required by the coding of the hyperlinkactuated by the hot spot actuation. In one exemplary embodiment, aninspector can be presented with a live video streaming view at block5408. In another embodiment as has been described an inspector can bepresented with a split video and form view at block 5408. Referring tofurther steps of the flow diagram of FIG. 8 a, apparatus 100 at block5410 waits for media file collection to be initiated. When initiating amedia file collection, an inspector may be operating apparatus 100 in ameasurement mode in which cursors can be positioned on said display forenabling an inspector to designate an area of a displayed image to besubject to a distance (length) measurement. In a measurement mode, theapparatus can calculate a distance (length) measurement between a pairof points designated to be subject to a distance measurement byplacement of the cursors. When a media file collection is initiated withthe apparatus in a measurement mode a media file collected pursuant tothe initiation can include measurement data. When media file collectionhas been initiated, apparatus 100 can read metadata from the form set atblock 5412 and associate metadata to the media file designated forcollection in the manner described previously in connection with theflow diagram of FIG. 7 c. Apparatus 100 can then proceed to save themetadata associated media file associated at block 5422 to theappropriate directory of the set of directories established at block5403. For example, if the most recently actuated hot spot actuated is“hot spot 3,” apparatus 100 at block 5422 can save the media file to thefile directory C:\SN1234MARCH27917\STAGE 3 that is indicated in theexemplary file directory structure indicated in FIG. 8 b. At block 5424apparatus 100 can determine whether all media files required forcollection have been collected. In a useful embodiment a form builder asdescribed in connection with FIGS. 10 a-10 c can include in a form set alist of media files similar to the list described in connection withFIG. 4 h such as a number of media files and or type of media files thatneed to be collected subsequent to actuation of hot spot of form 7000for a media collection corresponding to a specific physical area of anequipment article to be complete. At block 5424 apparatus 100 canreference such a list to determine if the required number of media fileshave been collected. In one embodiment apparatus 100 can count thenumber of files in the current directory to determine if the number offiles corresponding to the current hot spot have been collected. If atblock 5424 apparatus 100 determines that a number of collected mediafiles is not equal to the number of files on the list, apparatus 100proceeds to block 5410 to wait for collection of another media file tobe initiated. If at block 5424 apparatus 100 determines that the numberof media files collected corresponds to the number required on the list,apparatus 100 can proceed to block 5426 to change the appearance of form7000. For example, the appearance of form 7000 can be changed such thatthe appearance of the hot spot for which media file collection was justcompleted is changed. Changing of the appearance of a hot spot is highlyuseful since such changing aids an inspector in determining what stepsof an inspection procedure have been completed. An inspector candetermine what stages of an inspection procedure have been completed andin the specific example what areas of an equipment article have beeninspected and what areas of equipment article need to be inspectedsimply by observing the appearance of the hot spots of form 7000. Atblock 5426 apparatus 100 can change one or more of a size, shape,shading, texture, color of a hot spot. Apparatus 100 at block 5426 canalso change a hot spot by disabling a hot spot, configuring the hot spotso that no hyperlink script is executed when the hot spot is actuated.It is seen that when apparatus 100 returns to block 5404 to redisplay aroot form, e.g., root form 7000, a hot spot of the root form can have anappearance different from its appearance the last time the root form wasdisplayed.

Referring to block 5428, apparatus 100 at block 5428 can update a reportby transferring (e.g., copying) the media files collected by apparatus100 since the last execution of updating block 5428 to all externalcomputers 600-1, 700-1, 600-2, 700-2 that received the report at block5403 (at the apparatus 100 the report would not require since it isupdated by execution of saving block 5422).

It has been indicated that at block 5403 apparatus 100 can generate areport. In FIG. 9 a there is shown a graphical report in the form of aform having an appearance that is strikingly similar to the inspectionprocedure guide form 7000 shown in FIG. 7 a. While report form 8000 hasthe equipment article graphical depiction as in guide form 7000 of FIG.7 a and has hot spots 501-RP, 502-RP, 503-RP, 504-RP, 505-RP in the samelocation in relation to the graphical depiction of the form and can beprovided by a properly encoded HTML file, the report form of FIG. 9 a isconfigured differently than the guide form of FIG. 7 a. Specifically,the hot spots in the report form of FIG. 9 a are configured differentlythat the guide form of FIG. 7 a. In the report form of FIG. 9 a the hotspots of the form can be linked to the allocated file directories set upat block 5403 so that actuation of a hot spot opens either a file in adirectory associated with that hot spot (e.g., if there is one file inthe directory) or a window enabling viewing of designators for files inthe directory that has been associated with that hot spot (e.g., in thecase there is more than one file in that directory). Apparatus 100 canutilize a root form 7000 to generate report form 8000. For example,apparatus 100 can copy the root form 7000, and change the coding of theform's hot spots for generating of a report form 8000. In anotherexample, apparatus 100 can modify the appearance of guide form 7000 inbuilding form 8000 so that it can be distinguished from form 7000,preserving at least one of the number of hot spots or the depiction ofthe equipment article and then can change hot spot coding.

In the report form of FIG. 9 a, the hot spots 501-RP, 502-RP, 503-RP,504-RP, 505-RP can be configured in so that actuation of a hot spotallows an inspector (or as will be discussed a supervisor or datamanagement agent) to review media files that have been collectedcorresponding to an equipment article subject to collection. The reportform can be configured so that the presentation to the viewer variesdepending on which hot spot is actuated. Take the example where onemedia file has been collected correlated with hot spot 502-RP (e.g., bysaving the files into a folder correlated with the hot spot) and threemedia files have been collected that have been correlated with hot spot503-RP, e.g., by saving the files into a folder correlated with the hotspot). In such an example, apparatus 100 when hot spot 502-RP isactuated may open the media file correlated with the hot spot. Stillreferring to the described example, apparatus 100 may display window8022 as shown in FIG. 9 a when hot spot 503-RP is clicked on. Window8022 includes thumbnails 8024, 8026, 8028 corresponding to each of thethree media files collected corresponding to the hot spot 503-RP.Further displayed within window 8022 adjacent to an associated thumbnailcan be the metadata 8025, 8027, and 8029 that has been associated withthe respective files at block 5414 (FIG. 8 a). Such metadata can includeone or more of, e.g., metadata read from a form, metadata entered into aform, metadata from a sensor as described in connection with FIG. 6 aand timestamp metadata. When a viewer clocks on one of the thumbnails,apparatus 100 can open the media file corresponding to the clicked onthumbnail so that the viewer can view the file.

In an important aspect, the report form 8000 of FIG. 9 a is availablefor opening by an inspector at the time of performing an inspectionprocedure before an inspection procedure is complete. Apparatus 100 canbe configured so that actuation of a designated button of apparatus 100such as button 5144 results in a report form such as report form 8000being displayed on display 1602 and display 42 (by default producing theview of the control and display module) no matter the current screendisplay view being displayed. Apparatus 100 can be configured so that adedicated button of control interface 1604 (user interface), such astrigger button 5140 can be used to “toggle” between a first screendisplay in which a display screen of an inspection procedure isdisplayed (such as a streaming video display or a screen display inwhich a form such as form 7000 is displayed) on display 1602 and asecond screen display in which report form 8000 is displayed. By way ofillustration, an inspector may be conducting an inspection procedurewherein a streaming live video view is presented to the inspector. Aninspector, in one embodiment, can actuate button 5140 or another otherbutton of user interface 1604 and a report form 8000 can be presentedfor access to previously collected files. The inspector can then actuatebutton 5140 again to return to the live video streaming view.Accordingly, an inspector can review the result of a current media filecollection procedure at any time. Such review might be beneficial; forexample, if an inspector wishes to confirm the correctness of view takenor a measurement made where media image file displays a measurementresult superimposed on an image from which the measurement was made.Also, a supervisor might visit an inspector during an inspectionprocedure and request that the inspector display media files collectedduring a current inspection. To satisfy such a request an inspector needonly depress a button to drive the apparatus in a review mode in whichreport form is displayed.

In another aspect the configuration of the report described allows thereport to be reviewed at an external computer at the time the inspectionprocedure is being conducted. Because report form 8000 and its linkedmedia files are in transferable file form at the time the inspection isbeing conducted, and because all of the computers 600-1, 700-1, 600-2,700-2 of system 1000 are IP addressable, the report can be accessed byan external computer 600-1, 700-1, 600-2, 700-2 at the time aninspection is being conducted. In one embodiment apparatus 100 at block5403 can send the report including the report form 8000 and theestablished file directory structure to an external computer at the timean inspection is being conducted prior to any collection of media files.In one particularly useful example, apparatus 100 at block 5403apparatus 100 can broadcast the report including the report form and theestablished file directory structure for use by several externalcomputers 600-1, 700-1, 600-2, 700-2 all of which will receive updatesduring the procedure when each new file is collected. Also, prior to anexiting of the procedure, e.g., at block 5420 apparatus 100 can send thereport form (e.g., in HTML format) together with all of its linked filesto an external computer 600-1, 700-1, 600-2, 700-2. Alternatively, atany time apparatus 100 can send the report form 8000 to an externalcomputer 600-1, 700-1, 600-2, 700-2, maintaining the linked media filesat apparatus 100 such that the linked media files can be requested onactuation of a hot spot at the external computer 600-1, 700-1, 600-2,700-2. In addition, by commanding an external computer 600-1, 700-1,600-2, 700-2 to address apparatus 100 and to request requesting thereport and the linked files for apparatus 1000 or just report form 8000a supervisor or data management agent at the location of the externalcomputer can access the report comprising report form 8000 and itslinked media files without the report being sent by apparatus 100 priorto the request. Accordingly, a supervisor at the location of a spacedapart computer 600-1, 700-1, 600-2, 700-2 can comprehensively monitorthe progress of an inspection being conducted, and not only the by thereview of a real time video feed which can also be provided by apparatus100, but by review of all media files collected from the time theinspection procedure commenced prior to the completion of the procedure.Furthermore, the system 1000 can be configured so that at an externalcomputer 600-1, 700-1, 600-2, 700-2, a supervisor is presented with asplit screen view wherein one of the views is a live streaming video anda second of the views is report form 8000 or another screen displayassociated with the report. It will be seen that the processing ofupdating block 5428 wherein collected media files can be broadcast toexternal devices 600-1, 700-1, 600-2, 700-2 receiving a report at block5403 can also be carried out at block 5422. By executing the updating atblock 5422, a media file can be broadcast each time a new media file iscollected by apparatus 100 during execution of an inspection procedure.

Referring to further steps of the flow diagram of FIG. 8 a, apparatus100 at block 5416 can determine whether an inspector has exited aninspection procedure. At block 5416 apparatus 100 may determine whetheran inspector has depressed button 5110 to end an inspection procedure.Alternatively, at block 5416 apparatus 100 can automatically exit aninspection procedure if apparatus 100 at block 5416 determines that allmedia files for each hot spot have been collected and all measurementshave been taken. At block 5416, apparatus 100 can query whether anappearance of each hot spot has been changed to indicate a completedcondition and if all of the hot spots have been changed, apparatus 100can proceed to block 5418. At block 5418 apparatus 100 can create a ZIPfile of all of the directories established at block 5403 including allof the metadata associated media files of those directories collectedduring the inspection procedure. The ZIP file and its contents can bestored on a storage device 3114 such as a hard drive. Within the ZIPfile, apparatus 100 can include the generated report form 8000 so thatwithin the ZIP file are included a report including the report form 8000and all of the media files linked by the report form 8000, enablinggraphical aided review of the collected media files at any computerwhich receives the ZIP file. At block 5420 apparatus 100 can transferthe ZIP file to an external computer 600-1, 700-1, 600-2, 700-2 forfurther processing and for viewing and analysis of the report. At block5420 apparatus 100 can also save the ZIP file to a transportable storagemedium so that the content of the ZIP file can be hand carried fromapparatus 100 to a location of an external computer, e.g., computer600-1, 700-1, 600-2, 700-2.

At e.g., steps 4038, 5011, 5318, 5418 of the flow diagrams describedherein apparatus 100 can save all files collected during an inspectionprocedure to a memory storage device 3114, e.g., a hard drive and cansimultaneously save all files to a transportable storage medium such asa CD or DVD so that results of a procedure can be hand carried away fromapparatus 100 and then inserted into a disk drive of an externalcomputer such as computer 600-1 or computer 600-2. In addition, exceptwhere otherwise noted, all steps of all the flow diagrams describedherein can be executed automatically by apparatus 100 without any userinput required for apparatus 100 to advance from step to step.

Form Builder

There can also be provided in the visual inspection system auser-interactive form builder that can include a graphical userinterface that allows persons at an organization involved in runninginspection operations to quickly develop forms for aiding an inspectionprocess. New forms can be rapidly developed with use of the formbuilder. The form builder can include features allowing a developer toeasily define, without typing of any program code, a complexinterrelated set of screen views for display on a visual inspectionapparatus that is customized for a particular visual inspectionprocedure. Because the form builder can be configured to build complexand highly featurized forms without typing in any program code, thesoftware developer developing forms with use of form builder can be aperson without any understanding of computer languages or programcoding.

A form builder is provided for use in assisting a developer in theprocess of creating guide forms for use in guiding an inspector throughan inspection process and having other complex features as have beendescribed herein. For developing a set of guide forms including at leastone form, a developer may first use the inspection apparatus to obtain aset of media files or else may acquire drawings such as isometric viewsfor use in the form builder. The form builder can be configured so thatwhen the set of files are associated into the form builder a series ofthumbnails is presented in a window and a developer is prompted to pickone thumbnail for presenting as the root form in the form set. The rootform thumbnail can represent an equipment article such as a large pieceof equipment having several areas requiring inspection. When the rootform thumbnail is selected, the developer is allowed to designate “hotspots” on the root form image corresponding to the selected thumbnail.Once the hot spots are designated and a “create form” button is pressedan HTML page can be created having the root form image and thedesignated hotspots superimposed on the root form image. A developer isthen allowed by the form builder to develop sub-pages that arehyperlinked to hotspots. When developing a sub-page a developer isallowed to designate text or audio messages (possibly by selection froma menu) detailing inspection instructions, including instructionsregarding media files to collect, and measurements to make. Whendeveloping an inspection sub-page a developer is also allowed to selectfurther thumbnails from the thumbnail menu with larger views of the areaof the hotspot to be subject to inspection. When developing aninspection sub-page a developer is also allowed to designate data entryfields including a menu option field. As part of the development processa developer can enter an index for the job to be performed e.g.,equipment # or job #. The entered index together with the input datainput by an inspector when completing the inspection can be passed asmetadata into metadata-associated files created in accordance with ametadata-associating mode as described above. A developer is allowed todevelop one or more sub-pages for each designated hot spot with use ofthe form builder. When the process is complete a series of hyperlinkedforms can be created which in one example includes a root form having areferenced image representing an equipment article to be inspected withhot spots superimposed in the image in specific areas of the equipmentarticle to be inspected. With use of the form builder, a root formhaving image superimposed hot spots can be created so that when a hotspot of the root form is clicked on, at least one sub-page is displayeddetailing procedures of an inspection.

Referring to FIGS. 10 a-10 c, an illustrative example of a form builderis described. Any computer of system 1000 having a suitable userinterface such as apparatus 100 or other computer of system 1000 such ascomputer 600-1, 600-2 can run a form builder application. When runningthe form builder application, the computer running the application canbe regarded as a form builder. Referring to FIG. 10 a, a mainconfiguration display screen for a form builder is shown. Form builder8002 can include an image menu button 8003. When image menu button 8003is actuated, e.g., by clicking on with use of a pointer device a menu ofdesignators for candidate images is shown. The designators for thecandidate images displayed may be, e.g., thumbnail views of formattedJPG, BMP, GIF images or the like. The thumbnails may comprise image dataor isometric drawing views. The candidate images can all depict adifferent industrial equipment article which may be subject toinspection. The equipment articles depicted may be, e.g., engines,generators, nuclear reactors, other power plant equipment articles,sewer systems, piping systems and the like. When designator is selected,a larger view of the equipment article of the selected image isdisplayed in main area. Once displayed, a developer can designate hotspots (i.e., buttons) on the displayed image. For example, a hot spot501-DE, 502-DE, 503-DE, 504-DE, 505-DE can be included in the mainconfiguration screen shown in FIG. 10 a. A developer can designate a hotspot by clicking on hot spot button 8004 and dragging and dropping intoa desired area of the depiction of the equipment area. When an equipmentarticle is to be subject to inspection, it may be desirable to inspectseveral different areas of the equipment article. Hot spots can bedefined with use of the form builder in order to designate areas whichare to be subject to inspection. When an area of equipment article issubject to inspection, media files may be collected includingrepresentations of the area subject to be inspected. Also, measurementsmay be made relating to the area for inspection including the making ofa dimensioning (distance i.e. length) measurement. In the exampledescribed in FIG. 10 a, five (5) hot spots are defined. The hot spotsdefine five areas of an equipment article to be subject to inspection.Often areas for inspection of an equipment article are to be subject toinspection in a specific order but in other instances the ordering ofinspection areas. Where stages are to be executed in a specificordering, the hot spots can be given a numbering corresponding to adesired ordering of inspection. In the example of FIG. 10 a, hot spots 1through 5 are defined. In placing the hot spots on the configurationscreen of FIG. 10 a a developer establishes a stage definition for aninspection procedure application. For guiding of an inspector and forimproving data organization an inspection procedure can be broken downinto stages, each stage including one or more procedure steps andpossibly sub-stages. With use of the development screen as shown in FIG.10 a a developer can establish a stage definition for an inspectionprocedure application wherein for each stage an inspector can collectdata relating to a specific physical area of an equipment article.

Referring to further aspects of the main configuration screen of FIG. 10a, the screen further includes data entry fields 8012, 8016, 8018. Dataentry fields 8012, 8016, 8018 enable a developer to enter in data to becoded into or linked to the form being built. The data entered intofields 8012, 8016, 8018 can be used as metadata in a metadataassociation mode herein. Data entry field 8012 enables a developer todesignate an equipment # of an equipment article to be subject toinspection. Data entry field 8016 enables a developer to enter job # forthe equipment article to be subject to inspection. Data entry field 8018enables a developer to enter any data the developer wishes. It will beseen that when the form built using builder is located on apparatus 100for use in a media file collection (inspection) procedure, apparatus 100may associate the data entered into fields into all media filescollected during the media file procedure.

In addition, the form builder main form configuration screen of FIG. 10a can have a “define instruction” button 8022. When define instructionbutton 8022 is clicked on, a window 8024 may appear allowing a developerto establish instructions or other messages to an inspector to bedisplayed on a root form 7000 as shown in FIG. 7 a. The instructionsentered into area 8024 correspond to the instructions displayed in area7024 of a root form 7000 when displayed during an inspection procedure.Such instructions can include e.g., “This inspection will require 1video file and 1 image file to be collected.” “This inspection requires5 areas to be inspected, and a dimension measurement in each area.” Theequipment article of this inspection may be contaminated.” “FragileEquipment” as is indicated in form 7000 shown in FIG. 7 a. A developercan designate any text in area 8024 and the text can be displayed inarea 7024 when apparatus 100 opens the created form. When entry fieldsbutton 8026 is clicked on, a window may be display enabling a developerto designate a location of and prompts associated with data entry fields7002, 7004, or form 7000. When a developer has completed configurationof a root form, a developer may click on create button 8028. When acreate button 8028 is clicked on, a form is created except thathyperlinks associated with each hot spot 501-DE, 502-DE, 503-DE, 504-DE,505-DE need to be defined.

After a root form create button 8028 is clicked on, the computer, e.g.,computer 100, 600-1, 600-2 running the form builder application candisplay a hot spot configuration screen as shown in FIG. 10 b. The hotspot configuration screen of FIG. 10 b allows a developer to define thescreen display displayed on a display apparatus 100 after a specific hotspot has been clicked on or otherwise activated. Referring again to theview of FIG. 7 a showing a form 7000 displayed on apparatus 100 duringan inspection procedure, clicking on a specific hot spot will cause aspecific screen display to be displayed. In some instances, it may bedesired that clicking on a hot spot, e.g., hot spot 503-IN will cause alive video view corresponding to the present filed of view of cameraassembly 14 to be displayed. In other instances, it may be desired thatclicking on a certain hot spot will not bring up a live view but willbring up a subform. The subform or second form may include textdescribing more detailed instruction relating to an inspection in thespecific area of an equipment article designated by the hot spot and/ormay allow an inspector to enter data specific to the hot spot intoapparatus 100. In still other instances it may be desired that clickingon a specific hot spot will, bring up a split view showing a form havinginstruction and/or data entry fields together with a live viewcorresponding to the present filed of view of camera head assembly. Instill other instances, it may be desired that by clicking on a certainhot spot, e.g., 502-IN (FIG. 7 a) will bring up a split streaming videodisplay as will be described further herein. The development screenshown in FIG. 10 c allows a developer to define the screen display to bedisplayed by apparatus after a specific hot spot is clicked on.

By clicking on one of the hot spots 501-DE, 502-DE, 503-DE, 504-DE,505-DE in the development screen of FIG. 10 b, the form builder computercan, in accordance with the form builder application, display anotherdevelopment screen as shown in FIG. 10 c. With use of the developmentscreen as shown in FIG. 10 c, a developer can define the screen displayor a series of screen displays to be displayed by apparatus 100 after ahot spot, e.g., 501-IN is clicked on. In a specific embodiment, adeveloper with use of the display screen of FIG. 10 c can define scriptthat is executed by apparatus 100 after a specific hot spot of form 7000is run. Such script, as will be described can, e.g., open a subform,establish a live view of a target corresponding to a field of view ofcamera head assembly 14, establish a split screen view wherein a formand a live view are displayed simultaneously on a display of apparatusor a split video view wherein a pair of video images are displayed byapparatus 100. The pair of video images can be displayed by a singledisplay, or on two different displays. For example a first live videoimage can be displayed on a control and display module display 1602 anda second recorded streaming video image can be displayed on a seconddisplay such as monitor 42 of apparatus 100. Instead of being a recordedimage the second streaming video image displayed by the second displaycan be another live view image from another source such as from overheadcamera 5202 or from another inspection apparatus 100 (e.g., apparatus100-2 where apparatus 100 is apparatus 100-1) being used in the samelocal facility with apparatus 100.

Referring to the development screen of FIG. 10 c, the development screenof FIG. 10 c may be displayed after hot spot 501-DE is clicked on in thedevelopment screen of FIG. 10 b. The development screen of FIG. 10 c haslive button 8042, form button 8044, split video/form button 8046, andsplit video button 8048 and preview area 8050. In preview area 8050there is displayed a preview of the view that will be displayed when theform set being created is run on apparatus 100. Clicking on live button8042 establishes a hyperlink to a hot spot e.g., 501-IN of form, e.g.,form 7000 so that a live view corresponding to the field of view ofcamera assembly 14 is established when a hot spot being configured isactuated. Clicking on form button 8044 establishes a hyperlink to thehot spot being configured so that a subform is displayed by apparatus100 when the hot spot being configured is clicked on. Clicking on splitvideo form button 8046 establishes a hyperlink to the hot spot beingconfigured such that a split video and form (part of the screen will bevideo and part of the video will be a form) will be displayed byapparatus 100 when the hot spot being configured is clicked on. Clickingon split video button 8048 results in a hyperlink to the hot spot beingconfigured such that a split video image is displayed by apparatus 100when the hot spot is clicked on. When button 8048 is clicked on asubmenu 8054 may be displayed. Clicking on single display button 8058results in the hot spot being configured to be configured such that whenthe hot spot of form 7000 is clicked on, a pair of streaming videodisplays are displayed on a single display such as display 1602 ofcontrol and display module 16. Clicking on two display button 8060configured the hot spot being configured so that when the hotspot isactuated a first streaming video image is displayed on display 1602 ofcontrol and display module 16 and a second streaming video image isdisplayed on display 42 of monitor 40.

In preview area 8050 a different preview screen is shown depending onwhich of buttons 8042, 8044, 8046, 8048 is actuated. Preview screen 8064can be displayed when button 8042 is actuated, preview screen 8066 canbe displayed when button 8044 is actuated, preview screen 8066 can bedisplayed when button 8046 is actuated and preview screen 8068 can bedisplayed in preview area 8050 when button 8046 is actuated. Previewscreen 8070 can be displayed when button 8048 and then button 8060 areactuated. Preview screen 8071 can be displayed when button 8048 and thenbutton 8058 are clicked on. Referring to preview screen 8064, previewscreen 8064 simulates for a developer the view that will be observed byan inspector during an inspection procedure. A recorded video image canbe displayed in area 8050 to simulate the live view that will be seen byan inspector during an inspection. A developer can configure overlaysthat will be displayed on a screen by clicking on overlay button 8074 todisplay overlay menu 8076. By clicking on equipment # button 8080,equipment # overlay 8090 is displayed on preview screen 8064. Byclicking on measurement button 8084 cursors 8092 are overlaid in thepreview screen 8064. By clicking stage button 8086 overlay 8096 isdisplayed indicating the stage of inspection. The “stage” of theinspection normally indicates the number of the hot spot. Thus, if hotspot 2 were being configured and not hot spot “1,” then overlay wouldread “2^(nd) Stage.” By clicking on job #, button 8082, a job # overlaywould be displayed. By clicking on time button 8078 a time overlay wouldbe displayed. As indicated by preview screen 8068, 8070, and 8071, adeveloper can configure overlays when a split view or a split video viewhas been selected. When the hyperlink configuration has been completed,a developer may click on create button 8102. When create button 8102 isclicked on, a hyperlink is coded so that when the hot spot configured isclicked on when displayed on apparatus 100, a screen display ispresented to an inspector corresponding to the view developed by thedeveloper using the form builder.

Referring to preview screen 8066, preview screen 8066 is displayed whenform button 8044 is clicked on. When preview screen 8066 is displayed inpreview area 8050, a developer can define text and data input fields tobe displayed by a form. By clicking on button 8104, a developer candefine text to be displayed. By clicking on fields button 8106, adeveloper can define data entry fields of a displayed form. Afterclicking on text button 8106, a developer might be given cursor controlto type in prompt 8110, prompt 8112, and prompt 8116, prompting a userto input data. The developer might also type in an instruction oranother message to be read by an inspector when performing an inspectionregarding the media file collection procedure. After clicking on button8106, a developer may be given control to define data entry fields 8120,8122, 8124 adjacent the previously defined prompts 8110, 8112, 8116. Adeveloper may also be presented link button 8108. By clicking on linkbutton 8108, a developer is able to define the screen display to bedisplayed after display of the form being configured. By actuating linkbutton 8108 a developer may be presented with a display similar to thedisplay of FIG. 8 c except that the heading reading “HOT SPOT 1CONFIGURATION” with HOT SPOT 1 SUB A CONFIGURATION” to designate to thedeveloper that the developer is not designating a screen display to bedisplayed immediately following a hot spot actuation but rather a screendisplay to be displayed subsequent to the display of a form that isdisplayed immediately after a hot spot actuation.

Referring to screen display which is presented after split video buttonis actuated, it is seen that the configuration option available to thedeveloper when selecting the live view or the form view remain availableto a developer when selecting the split live view and form view option.

In many envisioned use cases, the form builder can be used by adeveloper who has no understanding of programming languages or how towrite code. However, for flexibility purposes, the form builder caninclude script button 8202. When script button 8202 is clicked on,window 8204 can be called up enabling a developer to type in area 8206script code that will be executed when a hot spot of a working form isactuated. It is envisioned that the features associated with scriptbutton 8202 will be used by developers who have an understanding ofprogramming languages and experience in writing code and who would liketo define code to be executed on the actuation of the hot button toprovide functionality not presently selectable by way of menu selection.

In addition the form builder can be configured so that by clicking onsteps button 8302 a developer is allowed to define steps to be performedafter an inspector actuates a certain hot spot. The form builder can beconfigured to that by clicking on button 8302 with use of a pointer on acomputer the developer is using a menu as shown in FIG. 10 d ispresented. Using the menu 5308 as shown in FIG. 10 d a developer candefine the ordering of steps that need to be performed. Examples ofsteps that might be performed include image file collection, video filecollection, measurement, audio file collection, acknowledge viewing, andrecord data. When an acknowledge viewing step is defined, an inspectoris required to merely confirm (e.g., by pressing a yes/know button) theinspector has viewed an area without file collection. While in anillustrative embodiment the “perform measurement” menu option 5322available in the menu of FIG. 10 d can refer to a distance measurement,the list of menu options can be expanded so that additional types ofmeasurements for performance during a procedure can be defined with useof the form builder. Such types of additional measurement steps caninclude, for example: ultrasound measurement, eddy current measurement,laser ultrasound measurement, magnetic measurement, and infraredmeasurement. When a record data step is defined, an inspector may berequired to enter data using interface 1604 into a data entry field of adisplayed form. Using menu 5308 it is seen that a developer is allowedto define a specific ordering of steps. By using field 5310 a developercan designate whether a specific ordering of steps is required in aninspection procedure. If the data entry field 5310 is marked “Y,” aninspector will be required to complete steps in a specific order. Whenaccept button 5314 is clicked the form builder can automaticallyestablish code so that when the built set of one or more forms is run onapparatus, an inspector will be guided in a manner described previouslyin connection with FIGS. 4 a through 4 e. That is, the inspector can beprovided with positive feedback when successfully completing a step(e.g., by highlighting of a displayed text description of a step),negative feedback when making an error in attempting to complete a step,positive feedback when completing the set of steps and negative feedbackwhen attempting to exit the mode in which the inspector is guidedthrough completion of a series of defined steps.

When the hyperlink configuration has been completed, a developer mayclick on create button. When create button is clicked on, a hyperlink iscoded so that when the hot spot configured is clicked on when displayedon apparatus 100, a screen display is presented to an inspectorcorresponding to the view developed by the developer using the formbuilder.

After a set of one or more forms have been defined by a developer theyare ready for use in an inspection procedure. If the forms are developedat apparatus 100, they may be stored in storage device 3114 of apparatus100. If the forms are developed at a computer external and spaced apartform apparatus 100, the forms can be transferred from the external andspaced apart computer to apparatus 100 in response to a get commandinitiated by apparatus 100. If the forms are hyperlinked, only a rootform need be transferred for the start of an inspection procedure, andsubform may be transferred via actuation of a hyperlink. In oneembodiment a set of forms are stored at server 700-2 and server 700-2 isan Internet server including a Universal Resource Locator (URL) addresswhich is translatable into an IP address. In such an embodiment, aninspector using apparatus 100 can access a root form of a set of formsby sending a URL address to a browser of server 700-2 to invoke a getcommand. In another embodiment a form set can be sent from an externalcomputer 600-1, 700-1, 600-2, 700-2 in the form of an executable filecomprising all of the required media players and other referenced codeof the form set.

Inspection guide forms can include script which when run by apparatus100 produces a variety of useful results in addition to those alreadydescribed. Script can be included in a form by being coded into the formor by the form having a reference to the script. In one example, a rootform of a form set can include script which when executed by apparatus100 results in apparatus 100 setting up a set of file directories(folders) in a hierarchical structure corresponding to the hot spotsdefined in the form set. In another example, script of a form set whenrun by apparatus 100 can cause the apparatus to change an appearance ofa form such as a form hot spot when inspection processes correspondingto a hot spot have been completed. In another example, script of a formset when executed by apparatus 100 causes apparatus 100 to build aspecially formatted report.

An inspector can be presented with a wide variety of visual stimuli forenhancing the performance of the inspector during a media filecollection procedure. In one example, with use of an apparatus havingone or two displays, i.e., one disposed on a control and display moduleand the other on an external monitor, an inspector can simultaneously bepresented with two streamlining video views. In one example, a firststreaming video view can be a live view corresponding to the field ofview of the camera assembly, and a second streaming video view can be arecorded view produced by playing of a video file or an animated 3Dmodel showing the region of interest or technique to be performed. Thesecond recorded view can be designed to provide instructions to theinspector as to how an inspection is to be conducted. The first andsecond views can be produced on one screen or on different screens. Themode in which dual streaming videos are presented can be defined duringthe procedure form development process such that the dual streaming modeis activated when a hyperlink exiting a preceding form is clicked on,and is deactivated when a hyperlink displayed during operating in thedual streaming mode is clicked on.

In the view of FIG. 11 another feature which may be implemented insystem 1000 is described. In some instances it is expected that aninspector may be conducting an inspection procedure, wherein anapplication such as described in connection with FIGS. 8 a, 8 b and 9 a,has not been initiated, but that after commencement of the inspectionprocedure, the inspector realizes that media files being collected mightbe advantageously associated with media files that have already beensaved into an organized directory structure as described in connectionwith FIG. 8 b wherein files of the directory can be readily accessedwith use of a report form such as report form 8000. Apparatus 100 can beconfigured in another aspect so that media files currently being savedinto a default directory that is not part of an organized set ofdirectories can be readily moved into a directory of an organized set ofdirectories associated with report form 8000 as described in connectionwith FIG. 8 b. Apparatus 100 can be configured in one embodiment so thatby actuating a designated button of control and display interface 16such as button 5144, apparatus 100 is driven into a “desktop” mode todisplay a screen display on display 1602 of hand graspable control anddisplay module 16 a screen display in accordance with a common GUI basedPC desktop screen display. Prior to actuation of button 5144, apparatus100 may be displaying on display 1602 a live streaming video view and aninspector may have recently actuated interface to initiate collection ofa media file. An example of a “desktop mode” screen display that may bedisplayed by on said display 1602 is shown in FIG. 11. As indicated bythe reference numerals 40 and 42, apparatus 100 may be simultaneously bepresenting the screen display at monitor 40. Referring to aspects of thescreen display of FIG. 1, there may be included a plurality of icons6102, 6104, 6106, 6108 and 6109 corresponding to a variety of advancedGUI based applications that may be selected by an inspector. When icon6102 is selected, an Internet browser is opened. When icon 6104 isselected (by clicking on) a file manager application is opened. Whenicon 6106 is selected, a text editor application is opened. Icons 6108and 6109 indicate other advanced GUI based applications.

Referring to further aspects of the screen display (screen view) of FIG.11, there may also be displayed window 6122 and report form 8000 asdescribed previously. In window 6144 there may be displayed designators6124, 6125, 6126, 6127 such as thumbnails for the last media filescollected by apparatus 100. Designator 6127 may designate the lastcollected media file; designator 6126 may designate the next-to-lastcollected media file and so on. Importantly, apparatus 100 can alsodisplay on the screen display report form 8000 which can havesubstantially the appearance of guide form 7000. Apparatus 100 may beconfigured to utilize guide form 7000 in creating report form 8000, andcan include one or more of the equipment article graphical depiction andthe hot spot structure of guide form 7000.

In one embodiment, report form 8000 can be configured so thatdesignators for files 6124, 6125, 6126, and 6127 can be dragged anddropped into file manager form 8000, to actuating saving of the filecorresponding to the designator into the directory corresponding to thehot spot. By way of illustration, form 8000 can be configured so thatwhen a designator such as designator 6125 is dragged and dropped ontohot spot 502-RP) using e.g., pointer device provided by the combinationof joystick 5118 and button 5106, pointer device 5138, or pointer device3120 (FIG. 1 a) the file associated with the designator is automaticallysaved into the directory corresponding to the hot spot that has beenpreviously set up by apparatus 100. In one embodiment, report form 8000is configured that (a) when a plain pointer 7206 is clicked on a hotspot, a file is opened or designers for a content of a directory aredisplayed as described previously, and further so that (b) when a filedesignator for a file is dragged and dropped onto a hot spot the filedesignated by the designator is saved into the directory correspondingto the hot spot. It is understood that the file management file savingfeature can be utilized at any computer of system 1000, e.g., computer600-1, 600-2.

In one embodiment, apparatus 100 can be configured so that window 6122displaying designators for the last collected files collected by theapparatus and form 1100 corresponding to a last generated report formgenerated by apparatus 100 are automatically displayed by defaultwhenever button 5144 is actuated, even where; for example, apparatus 100is presently displaying a live video streaming display. Accordingly,apparatus 100 can be configured so that with a single actuation of anactuator, an inspector or other user is presented with a userinteractive GUI interface for saving a previously collected file into adirectory of a structured set of directories. Alternatively, window 6122and form 1100 can be accessed by opening other applications, accessingGUI menus from the other applications to open window 6122 and to openany previously generated report form generated by system 1000. It willbe seen that by opening a previously generated form and windowsdisplaying contents of unorganized sets of files, the unorganized filescan easily be organized by dragging and dropping file designatorsdesignating the unorganized files into a displayed report form asdescribed herein.

Modifying an Inspector Guide Application

It has been described that apparatus 100 can be configured to guide aninspector through an inspection procedure. An application for guiding aninspector can be regarded as an inspector guide application. In oneembodiment, an inspection procedure can be divided into a series ofstages, each stage corresponding to a different physical area of anequipment article subject to an inspection. Further, each stage cancomprise one step or a plurality of steps. An inspector can be guided tocomplete each stage of an inspection. In being guided to complete eachstep, an inspector can be guided to perform a set of steps associatedwith each stage. The steps may be differentiated between stages. Withsome stages an inspector may be required to perform a series of steps ina particular order. With other stages an inspector can complete requiredsteps in any order. An inspector can be provided with positivereinforcing and negative reinforcing feedback throughout completion ofan inspection procedure. For example, a hot spot identifying aparticular physical area of an equipment article and stage of aprocedure may be caused to change appearance when a stage of a procedureis completed. An inspector may be provided with positive feedback whencompleting a step of a stage correctly and negative feedback when it isdetermine that an inspector has made an error in completing a step orstage of a procedure.

It has also been described that guiding procedures can be implementedwith or without use of forms, e.g., an HTML form having a viewablecomponent. A form, when displayed, can include a depiction of anequipment article to be inspected together with a set of hot spots, eachhot spot indicating a different area of the equipment article and adifferent stage of an inspection procedure. Forms can be configured sothat particular script code can be run when a hot spot of a form isactuated. The particular script code can configure apparatus 100 todisplay a set of prompts, each prompt prompting an inspector to completea particular step of a stage. The particular script code, in oneembodiment, can also cause an inspection apparatus to set up a filedirectory corresponding to the particular hot spot.

An application (which may or may not employ forms) that guides aninspector through an inspection can be executed each time an inspectionneeds to be performed. For example, an application that is created forguiding an inspector through an inspection can be run a first time soonafter it is created and then run again sometime later (e.g., six monthslater) when the equipment article needs to be re-inspected. Some guidedprocedures can be expected to include several, to dozens, to hundreds ofdata collection steps. The inventors observed that an application forguiding an inspector through an inspection could be improved if thenumber of stages and/or steps of guided inspection could be reduced in alogical manner; i.e., if unnecessary stages and/or steps could beidentified and if during a second, third, or Nth time an equipmentarticle is inspected an inspector were guided to complete a subset ofthe stages and/or steps of a complete inspection, i.e., were guided insuch a manner as to complete only a subset of stages and/or stepscurrently requiring completion, e.g., were guided in such manner as toavoid completing stages and/or steps of an inspection not requiringre-inspection when an inspection is repeated. In such manner, a time forcompleting an inspection could be reduced.

A system and method for reducing a number of steps that an inspector isguided through in a guided inspection is described in connection withTable 1, and FIGS. 12, 13, 14 and 15.

TABLE 1 Stage Step Prompt File Type 1.0 1.1 Take Picture of First JointJPG 1.0 1.2 Take Picture of Second Joint JPG 2.0 2.1 Take Picture JPG2.0 2.2 Record Movie MPEG 2.0 2.3 Perform Measurement JPG 3.0 3.1 RecordMovie MPEG 4.0 4.1 Take Picture JPG 5.0 5.1 Perform Measurement JPG 5.05.2 Take Picture of First Valve JPG 5.0 5.3 Take Picture of Second ValveJPG

In Table 1 there is shown a representation of an inspector guideapplication for guiding an inspector for purposes of conducting aninspection. An inspection can include a number of stages and a number ofsteps, and an inspector, in accordance with an inspector guideapplication can be prompted e.g., with a displayed prompt or textualindicator or other indicator (e.g., a hot spot) to perform each stage.An inspector can also be prompted, e.g., with a displayed textualmessage or other indicator to execute each step. In the first column ofTable 1 there is shown indicators for each stage of an inspection. Inthe second column of Table 1 there is shown indicators for a number ofsteps (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, 2.1 . . . ) of an inspection procedure. In thethird column there is shown a displayed prompt associated with eachstep, and in the fourth column of Table 1 there is shown the file typethat is to be collected by an inspector as a result of performing a stepof an inspection procedure. In the example of Table 1 there isrepresented an application for guiding an inspector to perform aninspection procedure including ten steps separated into five stages,each stage relating to a different physical area of an equipmentarticle. In the example provided, the third and fourth stages includeone step, the first stage includes two steps, and the second and fifthstages include three steps. While an inspection procedure applicationhaving multiple stages is described, guided inspection applications canbe provided having no stage definitions, i.e., having a single stage.Also, as will be described, a guided inspection application can beprovided having stage definitions but no step definitions, e.g., aninspector may be guided to perform an inspection of a particularphysical area of an equipment article, but may not be guided to performany particular step once so guided.

In providing system 1000 in which stages of a guided procedure can beselectively enabled, media files collected during the course ofperforming an inspection can be provided in such a manner as to includea reference to a guided stage being completed at the time the media filewas collected. Likewise, in providing a system 1000 in which steps of aguided procedure can be selectively enabled, media files collectedduring the course of performing an inspection can be provided in suchmanner as to include a reference to a guided step being performed at thetime the media file was collected. For example, if the media file iscollected pursuant to a first step of a first stage of a guidedprocedure, it could be provided with the reference 1.0 to indicate thatthe file was collected pursuant to completion of the first stage and thereference 1.1 to indicate that the file was collected pursuant to theexecution of a first step of a first stage. If a media file is collectedpursuant to the execution of a second step of a first stage, the filecan be provided with the references 5.0 (stage reference) and 5.1 (stepreference) and so on.

A representation of a set of files that might be collected during aguided procedure is shown in FIG. 12. Each of the files 1202, 1204,1206, 1208, 1210, 1212, 1214, 1216, 1218, 1220 can include a referenceto the procedure stage being completed and the procedure step beingexecuted at the time the file was collected. Providing each file 1202,1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212, 1214, 1216, 1218, 1220 with a reference tothe procedure stage and/or procedure step being completed at the timethe file was collected, as will be described, can be useful infacilitating selective enabling of procedure stages and/or steps. In theembodiment of FIG. 12, reference data including a stage identifier, stepidentifier, equipment # (e.g., a serial #) and a time stamp isincorporated into reserved or empty fields 5186 of each collected mediafile and thereby can be associated with the media file. The referencedata of a media file could also be written to another file forassociation with the media file. For example, an XML text file oranother type of text file could be provided for each collected mediafile, and reference data (e.g., step, equipment #, inspector, time stampreference data) could be expressed as text of the text file. Asdescribed herein in connection with FIGS. 5 b and 5 c, suchreference-data associated with collected media files that describes thefiles, or is otherwise “data about the data” can be regarded asmetadata. In addition to including equipment data, inspector data, andtime stamp data, such data can include e.g., sensor generated data(e.g., GPS generated location data), site data, apparatus identifierdata, and numerous other data. For associating metadata expressed astext of a text file to a media file, it has been explained that the textfile including the metadata file can include a reference to the mediafile to which it is associated. Also, association between a media fileand a text file including metadata for the media file can be providedwith a common naming scheme, e.g. wherein a media file and a text fileare provided with names having a common text string.

A method for selectively enabling procedure stages and/or steps of aguided procedure is shown and described with reference to the flowdiagram of FIG. 13. At block 1302 a computer of system 1000 can get aset of files. For example, at block 1302 a computer of system 1000 canget a set of files corresponding to a certain procedure. In oneembodiment of system 1000, each guided inspection procedure application(inspector guide application) can include a reference to an equipment #of an equipment article being subjected to inspection and each file thatis collected by system 1000 can be provided with an equipment #reference number. When a guided inspection procedure is being run havinga certain equipment # identifier, each file that is collected duringexecution of the procedure can be allocated the same equipment #identifier. After system 1000 has been put into use for some time, it isexpected that several files will have been collected, each having aspecific equipment # identifier which identifies both (1) the equipmentarticle subject to inspection and, because guided procedure applicationscan be named in accordance with a specific article of equipment, and (2)a guided inspection procedure application for guiding an inspection ofthat particular equipment article. At block 1302 in getting a set offiles system 1000 may get a set of files having the identifier of aparticular equipment #. Accordingly, at block 1302, system 1000 mayestablish a set of files for further examination that pertain to aparticular guided inspection procedure application.

With further reference to the flow diagram of FIG. 13, system 1000 atblock 1303 can examine a set of files based on stage enabling criteria.In examining a set of files at block 1303, system 1000 can examine eachfile's file data (e.g., encoded digitized image data) and/or metadataassociated with the file. In executing block 1303, system 1000 can applya number of alternative criteria. For example, system 1000 can applycriteria for enabling stages of an inspector guide application based ona time stamp data, on file quality, on file type and/or on numerousother criteria. At block 1304, apparatus 100 can examine the set offiles retrieved at block 1302 based on a step enabling criteria. Inexamining a set of files, system 1000 can examine each file's file data(e.g., encoded digitized image data) and/or metadata associated with thefile. In executing block 1304 system 1000 can apply a number ofalternative criteria. For example, system 1000 can identify proceduresteps for enabling based on a time stamp data, on file quality, on filetype and/or on numerous other criteria. Regarding procedure blocks 1303and 1304, system 1000 can be configured to automatically apply thecriteria or else can be configured so that an inspector and/or amanager/supervisor can manually select the criteria.

At block 1305, system 1000 can return a set of enabled stages. Inexecuting block 1305, system 1000 can examine files (including referencedata [metadata] of each file) according to the criteria, and can returnthe stage identifier of each file satisfying the criteria. For example,if a temperature criteria is used, and according to the temperaturecriteria, stages having files with temperature metadata of over 80 areselectively enabled. In the example of Table 1, stages 2.0 and 3.0 wouldbe selectively enabled by application of the stage enabling criteria. Inthe example described, a rule is applied where a stage is enabled afterapplication of a stage enabling criteria if one file having a referenceto the stage satisfies the applied criteria. However, an alternativerule could be applied where a stage is enabled only if, e.g., N files ora full step set of files (i.e., a file for each step of a stage)satisfies the applied criteria. At block 1306 system 1000 can return aset of enabled steps after examining a set of files based on stepdisabling criteria. In executing block 1306 system 1000 can examinefiles (including reference data [metadata] of each file) according tothe criteria, and can return the step identifier of each file satisfyingthe criteria. For example, if a time stamp criteria is used, andaccording to the time stamp criteria, steps resulting in a collectedfile having a time stamp outside of a six month time window areselectively enabled (assuming the application of the flow diagram ofFIG. 13 is run on Dec. 15, 2006) running of the application of the flowdiagram of FIG. 13 would result in steps 1.0, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1,5.1, and 5.2 being selectively enabled (the file having the stepidentifiers of 4.1 and 5.3 are the only files summarized in Table 1 withthe time stamp within the six month window).

At block 1307 system 1000 can modify the inspector guide applicationutilizing the set of returned enabled steps. Referring to the exampledescribed, if stages 1.0, 4.0, and 5.0 are to be disabled and onlystages 2.0 and 3.0 are selectively enabled, system 1000 can modify theinspector guide application in such manner that an inspector is notprompted to complete the disabled stages when the guide application isrun. For example, prompts associated with the disabled stages may not bedisplayed or else may be displayed in an alternative manner. In oneembodiment the inspector guide application, when a stage is notselectively enabled (i.e., is disabled), may cause apparatus 100 toavoid displaying any prompt prompting completion of the stage. Inanother embodiment, the prompt can be displayed but can be displayed insuch manner as to indicate that the stage has been completed orotherwise does not require completion, at the present time, thusindicating to the inspector that the inspector need not complete thestage at the present time.

At block 1308 system 1000 can modify the inspector guide applicationutilizing the set of returned enabled steps. Referring to the exampledescribed, if steps 4.1 and 5.3 are to be disabled and only steps 1.1,1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 5.1, and 5.2 are selectively enabled, system1000 can modify the inspector guide application in such manner that aninspector is not prompted to complete the disabled steps when the guideapplication is run. For example, prompts associated with the disabledsteps may not be displayed or else may be displayed in an alternativemanner. In one embodiment the inspector guide application, when a stepis not selectively enabled (i.e., disabled), may cause apparatus 100 toavoid displaying any prompt prompting completion of the step. In anotherembodiment, the prompt can be displayed but can be displayed in suchmanner as to indicate that the step has been completed or otherwise doesnot require completion, thus indicating to the inspector that theinspector need not complete the step at the present time. At block 1308system 1000 can modify the inspector guide application in such manner asto indicate that a stage has been completed or otherwise does notrequire completion if at block 1308 the set of disabled steps includeseach step of a particular stage. In such manner the inspector is guidedso as not to complete inspection steps of stages that do not requirecompletion at the present time. Also, at block 1308, system 1000 candisable each step associated with each stage that has been disabled(i.e., has not selectively enabled).

It will be seen that the application described with reference to FIG. 13can significantly reduce the number of stages and/or steps needed tocomplete an inspection procedure. Regarding a time stamp step disablingcriteria, an enterprise can have a policy wherein only aged inspectionsare repeated. Accordingly, a time stamp criteria for enabling inspectionprocedure stages and/or steps can help focus resources on inspectionsthat have not been recently updated.

Stage and/or step enabling criteria can be automatically applied, orelse can be applied in response to a user selection by an inspector orsupervisor. Regarding a time stamp enabling criteria, a time stampenabling criteria can be applied automatically or manually.

In one embodiment, system 1000 can apply a file quality stage and/orstep enabling criteria. In applying a file quality stage and/or stepenabling criteria, system 1000 can examine collected media files todetermine whether the files pass a certain quality indicator criteria.For example, system 1000 may examine file data of image files or videofiles to determine whether they satisfy a certain brightness criteria.If a certain brightness criteria is not satisfied (e.g., if the filedata indicates the image or video data is too dark) for a file, thestage and/or step referenced in the file can be selectively enabled sothat when an inspection guide application is run again, the inspector isprompted to repeat the stage and/or step referenced in the file, so thatthe defective file is replaced. If the certain brightness criteria issatisfied (the image or video files are sufficiently bright), system1000 can disable stages and/or steps referenced in the passing files sothat an inspector is not prompted to repeat collection of a stage and/orstep which has already resulted in a passing file being collected.

In another embodiment, system 1000 can apply a represented featureenabling criteria. The criteria can be applied to enable stages and/orsteps. In applying a represented feature disabling criteria, system 1000can examine file data of collected files to determine whether the filedata represents a certain represented feature. For example, system 1000can examine an image file using image recognition methods to determinewhether an image file includes a representation of a crack. If arepresentation of a crack is detected, the system enables the stageand/or step referenced by the file including the representation of thecrack, so that when an inspection guide application pertaining to thesubject equipment article is run again, an inspector is prompted torepeat the stage and/or step where an inspector is prompted to take apicture of an area determined to have a crack.

It has been indicated that system 1000 can be configured to applystage/step enabling (disabling) criteria automatically or in response toa user-initiated (e.g., inspector initiated or supervisor initiated)selection. Time stamp, file quality and represented feature stepdisabling criteria can be applied automatically or in response to a userselection. In another aspect, system 1000 can be configured toperiodically, at predetermined intervals, run the stage and/or stepenabling application summarized by the flow diagram of FIG. 13 and cansend alerts responsively to running of the application. For example, ifafter running the application, examining the files subject toexamination results in one or more steps being included in a set ofselectively enabled steps (indicating that it would be beneficial torepeat one or more steps of a procedure) system 1000 may send variousalerts (e.g., via e-mail) prompting various personnel to run theinspector guide application again. Regarding alerts, system 1000 canalso be configured so that a user (e.g., an inspector or a supervisor)can select, at predetermined intervals, whether alerts should be sent.

In one example, system 1000 can be configured to apply a time stampstage and/or step enabling criteria daily and can be further configuredto send alerts responsively to the daily running of the application sothat aged files are quickly identified and an inspector is prompted toexpeditiously replace or supplement such aged files with more recentfiles. System 1000 can be configured to apply an image quality and/orimage represented feature stage and/or step enabling criteria on a dailybasis and can further be configured to responsively send alerts in themanner described. Accordingly, as new files are collected, they areexpeditiously run through quality and characteristic checks, andinspectors are prompted to repeat file collection steps if a file is ofpoor quality or if a problem area is noted (if according to therepresented feature criteria problems are looked for). In addition tobeing configured to run the step disabling application at set timeperiods (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly), system 1000 can be configured torun the application of the flow diagram of FIG. 13 immediately onreceiving any file or immediately on receiving confirmation thatprocedure is complete. In such manner an inspector can be prompted torepeat any necessary steps at a time at which the inspector is in aposition to operate inspection apparatus 100 (i.e., at a time at whichthe inspection is operating the apparatus and is proximate an inspectionapparatus) and at a time at which the inspection apparatus 100 is inposition to perform inspection of a particular equipment article.

The application described with reference to FIG. 13 can be run on anycomputer of system 1000. For example, the application can be run onapparatus 100 on computer 600-1 or and/or computer 600-2. FIG. 14 showsan exemplary user interface which may be presented to an inspectoroperating inspection apparatus 100. The user interface of FIG. 14 may beused by an inspector to configure a guide application so that when aguide application is run, one or more steps of a procedure may beselectively enabled such that there is no prompting of an inspector tocomplete certain steps that are not selectively enabled (i.e., which areselectively disabled).

Referring to the user interface of FIG. 14, an inspector can use dataentry field 3402 to designate a guide application to be run. Aninspector may actuate down button 3404 to access designators for eachguide application available in system 1000. It has been mentioned thatin the embodiment described, guide applications can be identified byequipment #. When a guide application is selected, an inspector canactuate configure button 3408 to access window 3412 presenting aplurality of additional options. In window 3412 in the exemplaryembodiment described, there is provided full procedure button 3414 and atruncated procedure button 3416. If full procedure button 3414 ishighlighted and the run guide application button 3420 is actuated, afull guide application can be run by apparatus 100, i.e., an applicationwherein each stage (if present) and each step (if present) of aninspector guide procedure is enabled and wherein an inspector isprompted to execute each stage (if applicable) and each step (ifapplicable) of an inspection procedure.

If an inspector actuates truncated procedure button 3416, an inspectorcan be presented with window 3430 which has various data entry fieldsthat allow an inspector to define various step enabling criteria. Window3430 enables an inspector to designate step enabling criteria.Inspection apparatus 100 can also be configured to display a windowenabling an inspector to designate stage enabling criteria as will bedescribed herein. Referring to window 3430, an inspector can use dataentry fields 3432, 3434, 3436 to define a time window for application oftime stamp step enabling criteria. It is noted that the time stamp stepenabling criteria can be applied so that only the steps completed mostlong ago or alternatively, most recently, can be disabled.

Referring to data entry area 3440, an inspector can enter a check indata entry field 3440 to indicate that the inspector would like aquality based step enabling criteria to be applied. Also, an inspectorcan enter a check in data entry field 3442 to indicate that an inspectorwould like a represented feature based step disabling criteria to beapplied.

Referring to further aspects of the user interface described withreference to FIG. 14, the user interface can include a window 3455enabling an inspector to designate (select) stage enabling criteria. Thestage enabling criteria can include any of the stage enabling criteriadescribed herein. In the example of FIG. 14, an inspector can causedisplay of stage enabling criteria selection window 3455 on display1602, 40 of apparatus 100 by actuating button 3452 of window 3430.Referring to the specific example of window 3455, an inspector canselect a time stamp criteria for enabling stages and a temperaturecriteria for enabling stages. It is observed that each stage can bereferenced by several files and that the several files may havereferences to different steps. Accordingly, window 3455 has numerousdata entry fields enabling an inspector to select rules for applicationof the stage enabling criteria (e.g., whether a stage will be enabled ifa single file referencing the stage satisfies the criteria, N files, ora fill “step set” of files, e.g., a set of files references to a stage,wherein each step of the stage has a file referencing the step).

Referring further to the user interface of FIG. 14, system 1000 can beconfigured so that when an inspector actuates run button 3448 or 3449,apparatus 100 runs the stage/step enabling application described withreference to FIG. 13 to modify the selected guide application and thenruns the modified guide application. As described herein, while manyapplication coding methods are possible, the guide application can beimplemented with use of one or more forms such as HTML forms having aviewable component. A form having hot spots can be configured so thatscript code causing certain prompting actions is run when a particularhot spot is actuated.

A supervisor working at local workstation 600-1 or remote workstation600-2 may also be provided with a user interface allowing the supervisorto configure guide applications utilizing data collected during pastinspections. The user interface made available to a supervisor may beidentical to the user interface made available to the inspector, but insome embodiments the user interface is made available to a supervisor atcomputer 600-1 and/or computer 600-2 is different than the userinterface available to the inspector at apparatus 100. In oneembodiment, the user interface for configuring guide application madeavailable to a supervisor has a more expansive set of controls forconfiguring guide applications than the user interface made available toan inspector. In one embodiment the user interface made available to asupervisor has at least one control not among the set of controlsavailable with use of the user interface provided an inspector at aninspection apparatus. In one embodiment, the user interface madeavailable to an inspector has available a first set of controls that maybe actuated and the user interface made available to the supervisor atcomputers 600-1, 600-2 has an available second set of controls that maybe actuated by a supervisor and the first set of controls are morelimited than the second set of controls. In one embodiment, the secondset of controls includes at least one control not among the first set ofcontrols. In one embodiment, the first set of controls is different thanthe second set of controls. The inventors determined that configuringapparatus 100 so that apparatus 100 is restricted from presenting acontrol that is presented a supervisor at a workstation computer 600-1,600-2 can reduce the risk of a person without substantial backgroundknowledge respecting enterprise initiatives and policies configuring aninspection guide application in an undesirable manner.

Referring to the user interface of FIG. 15, a supervisor may select allguide applications button 3502 or may select one guide applicationbutton 3504. When a supervisor selects all guide applications button3502, a user is presented with window 3510 allowing selection of stepenabling criteria that affects all guide applications in system 1000 andnot just a single guide application pertaining to a single equipmentarticle. Referring to window 3510, window 3510 includes inspector dataentry field button 3512 and apparatus data entry field button 3514. Asupervisor may enter the name of a particular inspector in field 3512and may enter an identifier for a particular inspection apparatus inarea 3514. When configure button 3516 is actuated, the applicationdescribed with reference to the flow diagram of FIG. 13 is run in themanner described previously. It is seen that the set of files retrievedat block 1302 can include files corresponding to numerous differentinspector guide applications. If inspector field 3512 is filled in, theset of files subject to examination can include files collected by acertain inspector. If apparatus field 3514 is filled in, the set offiles retrieved at block 1302 can include files collected using acertain inspection apparatus 100. If a supervisor observes that acertain inspector is performing poorly, the supervisor may enter thepoorly performing inspector's name in data entry field 3512 so thatinspections performed by the poorly performing inspector are performedagain. If a supervisor observes that a certain inspection apparatus 100has been performing poorly, the supervisor can enter an identifier forthe apparatus in data entry field 3514 so that inspections performedusing the poorly performing apparatus are performed again. In oneembodiment, system 1000 is configured so that button 3512, field 3512and field 3514 are not presented in the user interface presented to aninspector at apparatus 100. It can be seen that when the applicationdescribed with reference to FIG. 13 is run pursuant to use of all guideapplications window 3510, numerous guide applications indexed by severaldifferent equipment # identifiers can be modified.

Regarding window 3510, window 3510 enables a supervisor to select stepenabling criteria. The user interface of FIG. 15 can also be configuredso that a supervisor can select stage enabling criteria. For example,the user interface can be established so that when a supervisor actuatesbutton 3591, window 3592 is displayed enabling a supervisor to selectstage enabling criteria.

Referring to window 3540, system 1000, in one embodiment, can beconfigured so that when one guide button 3504 is actuated, a supervisoris presented with window 3540. In the embodiment shown, when window 3540is presented, a supervisor is allowed to enter data for disabling stepsof a procedure identified by the identifier presently entered in dataentry field 3542. Using fields 3544, 3546, 3548, a supervisor can definea time stamp window for a time stamp step disabling criteria to beapplied. Using field 3554, a supervisor can designate that a qualitybased step enabling criteria is to be applied and using field 3556 asupervisor can designate whether the supervisor that a representedfeature based step disabling criteria is to be applied. When asupervisor actuates button 3560, the application described withreference to the flow diagram of FIG. 13 is run to modify a selectedinspector guide application of system 1000.

Regarding window 3510, window 3510 enables a supervisor to select stepenabling criteria. The user interface of FIG. 15 can also be configuredso that a supervisor can select stage enabling criteria. For example,the user interface can be established so that when a supervisor actuatesbutton 3591, window 3592 is displayed enabling a supervisor to selectstage enabling criteria.

Referring to further aspects of the exemplary user interface describedwith reference to FIG. 15, the user interface can include a window 3596enabling an inspection to designate (select) stage enabling criteria fora specifically selected guide application for a particular equipmentarticle. The stage enabling criteria can include any of the stageenabling criteria described herein. In the example of FIG. 15, aninspector can cause stage enabling criteria selection window 3596 to bedisplayed on display 600-1 d, 600-2 d by activating button 3594 ofwindow 3540. Referring to the specific example of window 3596, aninspector can select a time stamp criteria for enabling stages and atemperature criteria for enabling stages. It is observed that each stagecan be referenced by several files and that the several files may havereferences to different steps. Accordingly, window 3596 has numerousdata entry fields enabling an inspector to select rules for applicationof the stage enabling criteria (e.g., whether a stage will be enabled ifa single file referencing the stage satisfies the criteria, N files, ora full “step set” of files, e.g., a set of files referenced to a stage,wherein each step of the stage has a file referencing the step).

Prior to actuating configure button 3560, a supervisor can actuate viewfiles button 3570 and/or alerts button 3572. When view files button 3570is selected, a supervisor can be presented with window 3576 which allowsa supervisor to grade files for quality and/or for represented features.Window 3576 can include thumbnails 3578 designating particular fileswhich, when actuated, result in playing of the file (displaying an imageor running a movie). In data entry field 3580, a supervisor can enter agrade for the quality of the file (e.g., 1 for poor to 10 for highestquality). In data entry field 3582, a supervisor can enter whether afile indicates the presence of a represented feature (e.g., a crack, aleak, etc.). Such data entered by a supervisor can be associated asmetadata to the reviewed files. Accordingly, in examining files todetermine if a file quality or a represented feature criteria has beensatisfied, system 1000 can examine metadata associated with a filerather than file data.

Still referring to the user interface of FIG. 15, window 3540 caninclude alert button 3572. When alert button 3572 is actuated, asupervisor may be presented with window 3586 allowing the supervisor todesignate persons to whom alerts are to be sent to if the step disablingapplication is run and one or more steps are not disabled (indicatingthat re-inspection would be beneficial). E-mail addresses of variouspersons may be selected using data entry field 3588 so that selectedpersons are given e-mail notices notifying them that running of aparticular guide application for re-inspection of a particular equipmentarticle would be beneficial. As is indicated by alerts button 3572 ofwindow 3510, system 1000 can be configured so that alerts configurationwindow 3588 can also be accessed by a supervisor when interacting withwindow 3510 in order to run a step disabling application with respect tomore than one guide application.

It has been described that a set of stages and or steps of an inspectorguide application can be selectively enabled and further that a set ofstages and/or steps of an inspector guide application can be selectivelydisabled. In the example of the flow diagram of FIG. 13, a set ofselectively enabled stages and/or steps (and therefore inherently a setof disabled stages and/or steps) can be returned responsively to anexamination of previously collected files (including file data andassociated metadata). In another example, a set of selectively enabledstages and/or steps (and therefore inherently a set of disabled stagesand/or steps) can be returned responsively to an output from an outputdevice. An output device can be provided, e.g., by a real time clock, ora sensor, e.g., a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor. The inventorsobserved that it may be desirable to selectively enable (and thereforeselectively disable) stages and/or steps of an inspector guideapplication responsively to an output from an output device. Forexample, it may be desirable to avoid prompting completion of stages andor steps of an inspector guide application under certain temperatureconditions or under certain humidity conditions. It may also bedesirable to avoid prompting for completion of certain stages or stepsof an inspector guide procedure depending on the time of day that theinspector guide application is run.

A method for operating an inspection apparatus is described withreference to FIG. 16. At block 5602 an inspector guide application isprovided in such form that the inspector guide application can bemodified responsively to an output from a data output device. Forexample, an inspector guide application can be provided in such formthat prompts for prompting a certain stage or certain step are notdisplayed or are displayed in an alternative manner if the stage or stepdoes not appear on a returned set of enabled stages or steps. Also, inone example, a stage enabling table such as table 5620 as shown in FIG.17 can be provided to determine a returned set of enabled stages and astep enabling table such as table 5622 as shown in FIG. 18 can beprovided to determine a returned set of enabled steps. In the table ofFIG. 17, grid entries of “1” indicate enabled stages whereas in thetable of FIG. 18, grid entries of “1” indicate enabled steps. Table 5620can be regarded as a stage enabling table while table 5622 regarded as astep enabling table.

With further reference to the flow diagram of FIG. 16, system 1000 atblock 5604 can read an output from a data output device. The data outputdevice can be, e.g., a real time clock or a sensor. Where provided by asensor, the data output device can be, e.g., a thermal sensor or ahumidity sensor. In executing block 5604, system 1000 can read, e.g., atimestamp output from a real time clock, an output from a temperaturesensor or a humidity sensor. The inventors observed that it may bedesirable to limit the number of stages and/or steps that an apparatusprompts for performance depending on output from a data output sensor.For example, at a certain time of day it may be desired to disablecertain stages or steps. At a certain temperature or humidity, it may bedesirable to disable certain stages and/or steps.

Responsively to said output system 1000 at block 5606 can modify aninspector guide application to selectively enable (and thereforeselectively disable) at least one of a stage and a step of saidinspector guide application. In modifying an inspector guide applicationsystem 1000 can disable a set of stages of an inspector guideapplication and/or a set of steps of an inspector guide application. Inanother aspect, system 1000 can be configured so that at block 5606,system 1000 can read an output from an output device for determiningwhether to read data from a stage enabling table and can further beconfigured that at block 5606 system 1000 can read an out from an outputdevice in determining whether to read data from a step enabling table.In disabling a stage (which occurs where a particular stage is not amonga set of selectively enabled stages), system 1000 can change a coding ofan inspector guide application so that prompts including indicatorsprompting performance of the stage are not displayed or are displayed insuch manner as to indicate that the stage need not be completed during apresent inspection. In disabling a stage, system 1000 can code aninspector guide application so that a particular directory for savingfiles during execution of the stage is not established. In disabling astage where an inspector guide application is provided by an HTML form,a hot spot associated with the disabled stage can be re-coded so thatactuation of the hot spot will not have the effect of producing a liveview indicating entry of the stage. In disabling a step, system 1000 canchange a coding of an inspector guide application so that promptsincluding indicators prompting performance of a step are not displayedor are displayed in such manner to indicate that the step need not beperformed during a current inspection. Still referring to the flowdiagram of FIG. 16, system 1000 at block 5608 can run an inspector guideapplication on said inspection apparatus 100 as modified in saidmodifying step of block 5606 to guide an inspector in performing aninspection.

A small sample of systems methods and apparatus that are describedherein is as follows:

-   A1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a camera assembly and a control anddisplay module, the camera assembly including an imaging sensor and alens focusing an image of an industrial equipment article onto saidimaging sensor, the control and display module being disposed at aproximal end of said elongated inspection module, said control anddisplay module including a display and a user interface, the userinterface enabling a user to input commands into said apparatus, saiduser interface further enabling said inspector to control a position ofsaid elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipmentarticle being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is configured to operate in a mode in whichcursors can be positioned on said display for enabling an inspector todesignate an area of a displayed image to be subject to a distancemeasurement, the apparatus further being configured so that saidapparatus can calculate a distance measurement between a pair of pointsdesignated to be subject to a distance measurement by placement of saidcursors, and

wherein said apparatus is also configured in a mode in which saidapparatus displays on said display a form including a depiction of saidindustrial equipment article and a plurality of hot spots disposed onsaid form, the apparatus further being configured allocate a set of filedirectories corresponding to said plurality of hot spots, the apparatusfurther being configured so a media file that is collected is stored toa certain one of said set of file directories, the certain one directorybeing determined by which of said hotspots was most recently actuated.

-   B1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a camera assembly and a control anddisplay module, the camera assembly including an imaging sensor and alens focusing an image of an industrial equipment article onto saidimaging sensor, the control and display module being disposed at aproximal end of said elongated inspection module, said control anddisplay module including a display and a user interface, the userinterface enabling a user to input commands into said apparatus, saiduser interface further enabling said inspector to control a position ofsaid elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipmentarticle being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is configured to operate in a measurement mode inwhich cursors can be positioned on said display for enabling aninspector to designate an area of a displayed image to be subject to adistance measurement, the apparatus further being configured so thatsaid apparatus can calculate a distance measurement between a pair ofpoints designated to be subject to a distance measurement by placementof said cursors, and

wherein said apparatus is also configured to operate is accordance withan application wherein an inspector is guided through an inspectionprocedure having a plurality of steps, wherein at least one of saidsteps is to complete a measurement by operating said apparatus in saidmeasurement mode, the apparatus in accordance with the applicationretaining a list representing steps of said inspection procedure thatare to be performed by an inspector, the apparatus processing datareceived by said apparatus to determine whether a step of said procedurehas been performed, the apparatus updating a screen display displayed onsaid display of said display and control module to provide positivefeedback to said inspector when said apparatus determines that a step ofsaid procedure has been completed, said apparatus further processingdata received by said apparatus to determine with reference to said listwhether said inspection procedure has been completed and updating ascreen display to provide positive feedback to said inspector when saidapparatus determines that said procedure has been completed.

-   C1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a camera assembly and a control anddisplay module, the camera assembly including an imaging sensor and alens focusing an image of an industrial equipment article onto saidimaging sensor, the control and display module being disposed at aproximal end of said elongated inspection module, said control anddisplay module including a display and a user interface, the userinterface enabling a user to input commands into said apparatus, saiduser interface further enabling said inspector to control a position ofsaid elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipmentarticle being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is configured to operate in a measurement mode inwhich cursors can be positioned on said display for enabling aninspector to designate an area of a displayed image to be subject to adistance measurement, the apparatus further being configured so thatsaid apparatus can calculate a distance measurement between a pair ofpoints designated to be subject to a distance measurement by placementof said cursors, and

wherein said apparatus is also configured to operate is accordance withan application wherein an inspector is guided through an inspectionprocedure having a plurality of steps, wherein at least one of saidsteps is to complete a measurement by operating said apparatus in saidmeasurement mode, the apparatus in accordance with the applicationretaining a list representing steps of said inspection procedure thatare to be performed by an inspector for completion of said inspectionprocedure, the apparatus in accordance with the application examiningdata received by said apparatus to determine whether data received bysaid apparatus indicates that an inspector has made an error inattempting to complete one of said steps, said apparatus updating ascreen display displayed on said display to provide negative feedback tosaid inspector when said apparatus determines that said inspector hasmade an error in attempting to complete a step of said inspectionprocedure.

-   C2. The apparatus of (c1), wherein said updating includes changing    an appearance of text describing a step of said procedure.-   D1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a camera assembly and a control anddisplay module, the camera assembly including an imaging sensor and alens focusing an image of an industrial equipment article onto saidimaging sensor, the control and display module being disposed at aproximal end of said elongated inspection module, said control anddisplay module including a display and a user interface, the userinterface enabling a user to input commands into said apparatus, saiduser interface further enabling said inspector to control a position ofsaid elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipmentarticle being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is configured to operate in a measurement mode inwhich cursors can be positioned on said display for enabling aninspector to designate an area of a displayed image to be subject to adistance measurement, the apparatus further being configured so thatsaid apparatus can calculate a distance measurement between a pair ofpoints designated to be subject to a distance measurement by placementof said cursors, and

wherein said apparatus is also configured to operate is accordance withan application wherein an inspector is guided through an inspectionprocedure having a plurality of steps, wherein at least one of saidsteps is to complete a measurement by operating said apparatus in saidmeasurement mode, the apparatus in accordance with the applicationretaining a list representing steps of said inspection procedure thatare to be performed by an inspector for completion of said inspectionprocedure, the apparatus in accordance with the application examiningdata received by said apparatus to determine whether data received bysaid apparatus indicates that an inspector has made an error inattempting to complete one of said steps, said apparatus updating ascreen display displayed on said display to provide negative feedback tosaid inspector when said apparatus determines that said inspector hasmade an error in attempting to complete a step of said inspectionprocedure.

-   E1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a camera assembly and a control anddisplay module, the camera assembly including an imaging sensor and alens focusing an image of an industrial equipment article onto saidimaging sensor, the control and display module being disposed at aproximal end of said elongated inspection module, said control anddisplay module including a display and a user interface, the userinterface enabling a user to input commands into said apparatus whereinactuation of said certain actuator of said user interface when saidcertain actuator is in a normal configuration provides an exit function,said user interface further enabling said inspector to control aposition of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrialequipment article being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is configured to operate in a measurement mode inwhich cursors can be positioned on said display for enabling aninspector to designate an area of a displayed image to be subject to adistance measurement, the apparatus further being configured so thatsaid apparatus can calculate a distance measurement between a pair ofpoints designated to be subject to a distance measurement by placementof said cursors, and

wherein said apparatus is also configured to operate is accordance withan application wherein an inspector is guided through an inspectionprocedure having a plurality of steps, wherein at least one of saidsteps is to complete a measurement by operating said apparatus in saidmeasurement mode, the apparatus in accordance with the applicationdisabling an exit function normally provide by actuation of saidactuator of said control and display module when said application isinitiated so that when said application is initiated actuation of saidcertain actuator by an inspector does not result in exiting of saidapplication, the functioning associated with said certain actuator beingconfigured so that when said certain actuator is actuated duringexecution of said application but prior to completion of said steps,said apparatus provides negative feedback indicating to an inspectorperforming said inspection procedure that said inspection procedure hasnot been completed.

-   E2. The apparatus of (e1), wherein said negative feedback is in the    form of a displayed message on said display of said control and    display module.-   E3. The apparatus of (e1), wherein said apparatus is configured so    that when said certain actuator is actuated during execution of said    application but prior to completion of said steps, sends an message    to an external computer indicating that an inspector has attempted    to exit a procedure prior to completion of a procedure.-   F1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a camera assembly and a control anddisplay module, the camera assembly including an imaging sensor and alens focusing an image of an industrial equipment article onto saidimaging sensor, the control and display module being disposed at aproximal end of said elongated inspection module, said control anddisplay module including a display and a user interface, the userinterface enabling a user to input commands into said apparatus, saiduser interface further enabling said inspector to control a position ofsaid elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipmentarticle being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is configured to operate in a measurement mode inwhich cursors can be positioned on said display for enabling aninspector to designate an area of a displayed image to be subject to adistance measurement, the apparatus further being configured so thatsaid apparatus can calculate a distance measurement between a pair ofpoints designated to be subject to a distance measurement by placementof said cursors, and

wherein said apparatus is also configured to operate is accordance withan application in which an inspector is guided through an inspectionprocedure having a plurality of steps, wherein at least one of saidsteps is to complete a measurement by operating said apparatus in saidmeasurement mode, the apparatus guiding an inspector in completing aninspection procedure by displaying on said display of said control anddisplay module a depiction of an equipment article while said inspectionprocedure is being completed by said inspector, and further displayingon said display a data entry field, the apparatus associating asmetadata media files collected by an inspector during execution of saidinspection procedure data that is input into said displayed date entryfield by an inspector, so that a media file that is transferred fromsaid apparatus to an external computer has associated therewith asmetadata data entered into said data entry field by said inspector.

-   G1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a camera assembly and a control anddisplay module, the camera assembly including an imaging sensor and alens focusing an image of an industrial equipment article onto saidimaging sensor, the control and display module being disposed at aproximal end of said elongated inspection module, said control anddisplay module including a display and a user interface, the userinterface enabling a user to input commands into said apparatus, saiduser interface further enabling said inspector to control a position ofsaid elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipmentarticle being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is configured to operate in a measurement mode inwhich cursors can be positioned on said display for enabling aninspector to designate an area of a displayed image to be subject to adistance measurement, the apparatus further being configured so thatsaid apparatus can calculate a distance measurement between a pair ofpoints designated to be subject to a distance measurement by placementof said cursors, and

wherein said apparatus is also configured to operate in accordance withan inspection procedure application in which an inspector is guidedthrough an inspection procedure having a plurality of steps, wherein atleast one of said steps is to complete a measurement by operating saidapparatus in said measurement mode, wherein said apparatus is configuredso that subsequent to initiation of said inspection procedureapplication and prior to completion of said procedure, said apparatusgenerates a user-interactive report enabling an inspector to reviewresults of said inspection procedure prior to completion of saidinspection procedure, the report including hot spots which when actuatedresults in at least one of (i) a collected media files being opened or(ii) a depiction of a collected media filed being displayed, theapparatus being configured to automatically transfer said report to atleast one computer external with said apparatus prior to completion ofsaid inspection procedure.

-   G2. The apparatus of (G1), wherein said report includes a graphical    depiction of an equipment article.-   G3. The apparatus of (G1), wherein said graphical depiction is an    isometric view.-   G4. The apparatus of (G1), wherein said graphical depiction is an    image collected by an inspection apparatus.-   G5. The apparatus of (G1), wherein said apparatus is configured to    automatically send each file collected by said apparatus during    execution of said inspection procedure to an external computer prior    to collection of a next file.-   H1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a camera assembly and a control anddisplay module, the camera assembly including an imaging sensor and alens focusing an image of an industrial equipment article onto saidimaging sensor, the control and display module being disposed at aproximal end of said elongated inspection module, said control anddisplay module including a display and a user interface, the userinterface enabling a user to input commands into said apparatus, saiduser interface further enabling said inspector to control a position ofsaid elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipmentarticle being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is configured to operate in a measurement mode inwhich cursors can be positioned on said display for enabling aninspector to designate an area of a displayed image to be subject to adistance measurement, the apparatus further being configured so thatsaid apparatus can calculate a distance measurement between a pair ofpoints designated to be subject to a distance measurement by placementof said cursors, and

wherein said apparatus is also configured to operate in accordance withan inspection procedure application in which an inspector is guidedthrough an inspection procedure, said apparatus in accordance with saidapplication prompting an inspector to conduct said inspection procedurein a series of stages wherein data relating to a different physical areaof said equipment article is to be collected during execution of eachstage, wherein said apparatus is configured to utilize a stagedefinition of said inspection procedure application in order toautomatically establish a directory structure corresponding to saidseries of stages so that a file collected during execution of saidinspection procedure is saved into a directory corresponding to a stagebeing executed during collection of the file.

-   I1. A system for use in a visual inspection system in which media    files respecting an equipment article are collected, the system    comprising:

an visual inspection apparatus comprising an elongated inspectionmodule, a camera assembly and a hand graspable control and displaymodule, the camera assembly including an imaging sensor and a lensfocusing an image of an industrial equipment article onto said imagingsensor, the hand graspable control and display module being disposed ata proximal end of said elongated inspection module, said hand graspablecontrol and display module including a display and a user interface, theuser interface enabling a user to input commands into said apparatus,said user interface further enabling said inspector to control aposition of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrialequipment article being inspected, wherein said apparatus is configuredto operate in a measurement mode in which cursors can be positioned onsaid display for enabling an inspector to designate an area of adisplayed image to be subject to a distance measurement, the apparatusfurther being configured so that said apparatus can calculate a distancemeasurement between a pair of points designated to be subject to adistance measurement by placement of said cursors; and

a user interactive form builder for use in building at least one formfor display on said display of said hand graspable display and controlmodule for use in guiding an inspector in performing an inspectionprocedure for inspecting an equipment article, the form builder beingconfigured for use by a developer without any understanding ofprogramming languages and being configured to build said at least oneform without typing of any program code into said form builder, the formbuilder enabling a developer to define, without typing of any programcode into said form builder at least one of: (a) graphic of said atleast one form, (b) a hot spot of said at least one form, (c) a dataentry area of said at least one form, and (d) a stage definition forsaid instruction procedure.

-   I2. The system of (I1) wherein, said interactive form builder    enables a developer to define a set of steps to be performed in an    inspection procedure.-   J1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module;

a camera assembly including an image sensor and a lens focusing an imageof an industrial equipment article onto said image sensor;

a control and display module including a display and a user interface,the user interface enabling a user to input commands into saidapparatus, said user interface further enabling said inspector tocontrol a position of said elongated inspection module relative to anindustrial equipment article being inspected;

an interconnect module;

a base module;

wherein said apparatus is configured to operate in a mode in whichcursors can be positioned on said display for enabling an inspector todesignate an area of a displayed image to be subject to a distancemeasurement, the apparatus further being configured so that saidapparatus calculates a distance measurement between a pair of pointdesignated to be subject to a distance measurement by placement of saidcursors, and

wherein said apparatus is also configured in a mode in which saidapparatus displays on said display a form including a depiction of saidindustrial equipment article and a plurality of inspector actuatable hotspots superimposed in said form, the apparatus further being configuredallocate a set of file directories corresponding to said plurality ofhot spots, the apparatus further being configured so a media file thatis collected is saved to a certain one of said set of file directories,the certain one directory being determined by which of said hotspots wasmost recently actuated.

-   K1. A procedure form builder for use in a building form for use in    guiding a user in the collection of media files while using a visual    inspection apparatus for inspecting an industrial equipment article,    the form builder including:

an image selection area enabling a developer to designate an image as aroot form image, the form builder being configured so that thedesignated root form image can be an industrial equipment article, theform builder creating a root form including said designated image;

the form builder further allowing a form developer to establish on saidroot form a series of hot spots, each hot spot corresponding to an areaof said industrial equipment article to be subject to inspection.

-   K2. The procedure form builder of (K1), further enabling the    developer to designate links associates with each hot spot.-   K3. The procedure form builder of (K1), wherein said procedure form    builder enables a developer to define a sub-form hyperlinked to said    root form by way of one of said defined hot spots.-   K4. The procedure form builder of (K1), wherein said procedure form    builder enables said form builder to select a live view as a    hyperlink associated with a hot spot.-   K5. The procedure form builder of (K1), wherein said procedure form    builder enabled said form developer to select a live view with    superimposed measurement view as a hyperlink associated with a hot    spot.-   K6. The procedure form builder of (K1) wherein said form builder    attaches script to a form built by said form builder so that when    said a form is opened at a visual inspection apparatus said script    is run.-   K7. The procedure form builder of (K1), enabling a form developer to    create a set of hyperlinked forms having a hierarchical tree    structure, and wherein said form builder attaches script to a form    of said set of forms for execution by a viewing apparatus to create    a set of file directories corresponding to a hierarchical tree    structure of said set of forms.-   L1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module;

a camera assembly including an image sensor and a lens focusing an imageof an industrial equipment article onto said image sensor;

a control and display module including a display and a user interface,the user interface enabling a user to input commands into said apparatusincluding commands to collect an image file comprising a representationof said industrial equipment article, and to collect a video filecomprising a representation of said industrial equipment article, saiduser interface further enabling said inspector to control a position ofsaid elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipmentarticle being inspected;

an interconnect module;

a base module;

wherein said apparatus is configured to operate in a mode in whichcursors can be positioned on said display for enabling an inspector todesignate an area of a displayed image to be subject to a distancemeasurement, the apparatus further being configured so that saidapparatus calculates a distance measurement between a pair of pointsdesignated to be subject to a distance measurement by placement of saidcursors, and

wherein said apparatus is also configured in a mode in which saidapparatus tags media files that are collected in response to a userinput command with metadata, the apparatus displaying a form for use inassisting an inspector in collecting media files, the form including arepresentation of said industrial equipment article, the metadata beingat least one of (1) data that is taken from said form and (2) data inputinto said form by an inspector.

-   M1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module;

a camera assembly including an image sensor and a lens focusing an imageof an industrial equipment article onto said image sensor;

an interconnect module;

a base module;

wherein said apparatus is configured to operate in a mode in whichcursors can be positioned on said display for enabling an inspector todesignate an area of a displayed image to be subject to a distancemeasurement, the apparatus further being configured so that saidapparatus calculates a distance measurement between a pair of pointsdesignated to be subject to a distance measurement by placement of saidcursors, and

wherein said apparatus is also configured in a mode in which saidapparatus associates media files that are collected in response to auser input command, whether image media files or video media files withmetadata describing the collected files, and wherein said apparatusassociates media files that are designated for collection by at leastone of (i) writing both the metadata and a reference to the designatedmedia file to a common text based document and by (ii) writing themetadata to the media file; and

a control and display module including a display and a user interface,the user interface enabling a user to input commands into said apparatusincluding commands to collect an image file comprising a representationof said industrial equipment article, and to collect a video filecomprising a representation of said industrial equipment article, saiduser interface further enabling said inspector to control a position ofsaid elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipmentarticle being inspected.

-   M2. The apparatus of (M1), wherein said apparatus is configured to    parse said metadata from a form displayed by said apparatus for use    in aiding an inspector in the collection of media files.-   N1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module;

a camera assembly including an image sensor and a lens focusing an imageof an industrial equipment article onto said image sensor;

a control and display module including a display and a user interface,the user interface enabling a user to input commands into said apparatusincluding commands to collect an image file comprising a representationof said industrial equipment article, and to collect a video filecomprising a representation of said industrial equipment article, saiduser interface further enabling said inspector to control a position ofsaid elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipmentarticle being inspected;

an interconnect module;

a base module;

wherein said apparatus is configured to operate in a mode in whichcursors can be positioned on said display for enabling an inspector todesignate an area of a displayed image to be subject to a distancemeasurement, the apparatus further being configured so that saidapparatus calculates a distance measurement between a pair of pointsdesignated to be subject to a distance measurement by placement of saidcursors, and

wherein said apparatus is also configured in a mode in which saidapparatus generates a report including (i) a plurality of media files;and (ii) a root record form including a depiction of said industrialequipment article subject to visual inspection, the root record filehaving a series of hot spots defined on said equipment articledepiction, the report being configured so that when said form isdisplayed, and a one of said hot spots is actuated, a media filecorresponding to said one hot spot is opened.

-   O1. A method for providing a labeled and searchable file in an    industrial visual inspection system, the method comprising:

(a) providing a visual inspection apparatus comprising an elongatedinspection module, a camera assembly and a hand graspable control anddisplay module, the camera assembly including an imaging sensor and alens focusing an image of an industrial equipment article onto saidimaging sensor, the hand graspable control and display module beingdisposed at a proximal end of said elongated inspection module, saidhand graspable control and display module including a display and a userinterface, the user interface enabling a user to input commands intosaid apparatus, said user interface further enabling said inspector tocontrol a position of said elongated inspection module relative to anindustrial equipment article being inspected, wherein said apparatus isconfigured to operate in a measurement mode in which cursors can bepositioned on said display for enabling an inspector to designate anarea of a displayed image to be subject to a distance measurement, theapparatus further being configured so that said apparatus can calculatea distance measurement between a pair of points designated to be subjectto a distance measurement by placement of said cursors;

(b) providing a form builder configured for use by persons without anyunderstanding of programming languages;

(c) without typing any code into said form builder defining with usesaid form builder an HTML form having a data entry field;

(d) opening the form on the apparatus; (e) receiving in said data entryfield data input into said data entry field by an inspector conductingan inspection of an industrial equipment article;

(f) associating the received data entered into said data entry field byan inspector at step (e) as metadata with a media file to collect atsaid apparatus, in response to input of a command by said inspector, ametadata-associated media file; and

(g) transferring said metadata-associated media file to an externalcomputer external to said apparatus.

-   P1. A method for development and dissemination of data in an    industrial visual inspection system, the method comprising:

(a) providing a visual inspection apparatus comprising an elongatedinspection module, a camera assembly and a hand graspable control anddisplay module, the camera assembly including an imaging sensor and alens focusing an image of an industrial equipment article onto saidimaging sensor, the hand graspable control and display module beingdisposed at a proximal end of said elongated inspection module, saidhand graspable control and display module including a display and a userinterface, the user interface enabling a user to input commands intosaid apparatus, said user interface further enabling said inspector tocontrol a position of said elongated inspection module relative to anindustrial equipment article being inspected, wherein said apparatus isconfigured to operate in a measurement mode in which cursors can bepositioned on said display for enabling an inspector to designate anarea of a displayed image to be subject to a distance measurement, theapparatus further being configured so that said apparatus can calculatea distance measurement between a pair of points designated to be subjectto a distance measurement by placement of said cursors;

(b) providing a form builder configured for use by persons without anyunderstanding of programming languages;

(c) without typing any code into said form builder defining with usesaid form builder a form having at least one of a graphical depiction ofan industrial equipment article, a set of hot buttons of a certainnumber, and a stage definition;

(d) opening the form built at step (c) to initiate an inspectionprocedure application;

(e) utilizing the form built at step (c) to generate a user interactivereport form, the user interactive report form having at least one of (i)a graphical depiction of said equipment article (ii) said certain numberof hot buttons or (iii) a number of hot buttons corresponding to saidstage definition; and

(f) transferring said user interactive report form generated at step (e)to an external computer.

-   Q1. A method for performing inspection of a desired region of an    industrial component, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing at least one template for conducting the inspection in theform of an electronic image selected from the group of electronic imagesconsisting of: an electronic manual describing the industrial componentand a series of user-readable instructions for carrying out inspection;

(b) providing an inspection apparatus comprising an elongated inspectionmodule and a control and display module;

(c) disposing the inspection module near the desired region;

(d) manipulating the control and display module to cause the inspectionmodule to sense an inspection condition of the desired region;

(e) saving data from the inspection module along with data reflectingthe sensed inspection condition;

(f) automatically generating at said apparatus a user-interactive reportof the performed inspection from said saved data.

-   Q2. A method according to (Q1), wherein steps (a), (b), (c), (d),    and (e) are performed in any desired sequence.-   Q3. A method according to (Q1), wherein the sensed inspection    condition is an inspection condition selected from the group of    inspection conditions consisting of: (1) distance measurement; (2)    temperature measurement; (3) X-ray measurement; (4) eddy current    measurement; (5) ultrasound measurement; (6) visual inspection;    and (7) laser ultrasound measurement.-   Q4. A method according to (Q1), further comprising the step of using    said control and display module to initiate a corrective action on    said industrial component desired region based on said visual    inspection.-   Q5. A method according to (Q1), wherein the corrective action is one    selected from the group of corrective actions consisting of: (1)    grinding: (2) cleaning; (3) cutting; (4) grasping; (5) stapling;    and (6) nitrogen purging.-   Q6. A method according to (Q1), further comprising the step of    automatically sending said report from said apparatus to an external    computer.-   Q7. A method according to (Q1), wherein said industrial component is    selected from the group of industrial components consisting of: (1)    vehicle engine; (2) power plant; and (3) fluid conduit.-   AA1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensorgenerating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configuredto enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, includingcommands to collect an image file comprising a representation of saidindustrial equipment article, and to collect a video file comprising arepresentation of said industrial equipment article, said apparatusfurther being configured to enable said inspector to control a positionof said elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipmentarticle being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is also configured in a mode in which saidapparatus associates metadata to media files that are collected inresponse to a user input command, whether said media files are imagemedia files or video media files, the apparatus when associatingmetadata to a media file at least one of writes the metadata to a textfile or to said media file, the metadata including an equipment articleidentifier, wherein said apparatus is configured to send collected mediafiles having associated metadata to a computer external to saidapparatus.

-   AA2. The apparatus of AA1, wherein said apparatus runs an    application prompting an inspector to complete at least one of a    stage and a step of an inspection procedure.-   AA3. The apparatus of AA1, wherein said apparatus associates a media    files that is designated for collection with metadata relating to    media file by writing both the metadata and a reference to the    designated media file to a common text file.-   AA4. The apparatus of AA1, wherein said apparatus associates a media    files that is designated for collection with metadata relating to    media file by establishing a common naming scheme between a media    file and a text based document including said metadata.-   AA5. The apparatus of AA1, wherein said apparatus is configured to    parse said metadata from a form displayed by said apparatus for use    in guiding an inspector in the collection of media files.-   AA6. The apparatus of AA1, wherein said apparatus reads said    equipment article identifier from an inspector guide application    running on said apparatus for guiding an inspector.-   AA7. The apparatus of AA1, wherein said apparatus is configured to    enable to enable an inspector to enter said equipment article    identifier into said apparatus.-   AA8. The apparatus of AA1, wherein said equipment article identifier    is an equipment serial number.-   AA9. The apparatus of AA1, wherein said metadata further includes    metadata selected from the group consisting of an inspector    identifier and a site identifier.-   AA10. The apparatus of AA1, wherein said metadata further includes    sensor output metadata selected from the group consisting of    location data and temperature data.-   AA11. The apparatus of AA1, wherein said apparatus is configured to    run an application guiding an inspector to collect a plurality of    media files, wherein said apparatus is further configured to    associate metadata including equipment article identifier metadata    with each media file collected.-   AA12. The apparatus of AA1, wherein said apparatus includes control    interface having a joystick and a plurality of buttons.-   AA13. The apparatus of AA1, wherein said apparatus includes a    control interface having a touch screen overlay.-   BB1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensorgenerating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configuredto enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, saidapparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control aposition of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrialequipment article being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is also configured in a mode in which saidapparatus associates metadata to media files that are collected inresponse to a user input command, the apparatus when associatingmetadata to a media file at least one of writes the metadata to a textor to said media file, the apparatus displaying a data entry field inwhich an inspector can enter data, the apparatus being configured toassociate as metadata to a media file that is collected file dataentered into said data entry field by an inspector.

-   BB2. The apparatus of BB1, wherein said apparatus runs an    application prompting an inspector to complete at least one of a    stage and a step of an inspection procedure.-   BB3. The apparatus of BB1, wherein said apparatus is configured to    send said collected media file and said associated metadata to a    computer external to said apparatus.-   BB4. The apparatus of BB1, wherein said apparatus displays a form    including said data entry field.-   CC1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensorgenerating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configuredto enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, saidapparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control aposition of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrialequipment article being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is also configured in a mode in which saidapparatus associates media files that are collected in response to auser input command with metadata, the apparatus being configured toassociate as metadata to a collected media file both inspector inputdata input into said apparatus by an inspector and sensor output dataoutput by a sensor.

-   CC2. The apparatus of CC1, wherein said sensor output data includes    data output from a sensor on-board said apparatus.-   CC3. The apparatus of CC1, wherein said sensor output data includes    data output from a sensor off-board relative to said apparatus.-   CC4. The apparatus of CC1, wherein said sensor output data includes    data output from a location sensor.-   CC5. The apparatus of CC1, wherein said apparatus is configured to    send said collected media file and said associated metadata to a    computer external to said apparatus.-   CC6. The apparatus of CC1, wherein said apparatus is configured so    that said apparatus when associating metadata to a media file writes    the metadata to at least one of a text file or to said media file.-   DD1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensorgenerating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configuredto enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, saidapparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control aposition of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrialequipment article being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is also configured in a mode in which saidapparatus associates media files that are collected in response to auser input command with metadata, the apparatus being configured toassociate as metadata when said media files are collected sensor outputdata output by a sensor, the apparatus further being configured to senda collected media file having associated sensor output metadata to acomputer external to said apparatus.

-   DD2. The apparatus of DD1, wherein said apparatus runs an    application prompting an inspector to complete at least one of a    stage and a step of an inspection procedure.-   DD3. The apparatus of DD1, when said apparatus is configured to    further associate as metadata data entered into said apparatus by an    inspector.-   DD4. The apparatus of DD1, wherein said sensor output data includes    data output from a sensor on-board said apparatus.-   DD5. The apparatus of DD1, wherein said sensor output data includes    data output from a sensor off-board relative to said apparatus.-   DD6. The apparatus of DD1, wherein said sensor output data includes    data output from a location sensor.-   DD7. The apparatus of DD1, wherein said apparatus is configured to    send collected media file having associated sensor output metadata    responsively to a request from an external computer.-   DD8. The apparatus of DD1, wherein said apparatus is configured to    send collected media file having associated sensor output metadata    responsively to a collection of said media file by said apparatus.-   DD9. The apparatus of DD1, wherein said apparatus is configured to    send collected media file having associated sensor output metadata    responsively to a completion of an inspection procedure in which an    inspector is guided to collect a plurality of media files.-   DD10. The apparatus of DD1, wherein said apparatus is configured so    that said apparatus when associating metadata to a media file writes    the metadata to at least one of a text file or to said media file.-   EE1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensorgenerating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configuredto enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, saidapparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control aposition of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrialequipment article being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is configured to run an application for guidingan inspector to perform an inspection procedure and wherein saidapparatus is configured so that said apparatus associates a media filethat is collected in response to a user input command with metadata aspart of completing said inspection procedure, the apparatus beingconfigured to associate as metadata to said collected media file dataread from said application for guiding an inspector.

-   EE2. The apparatus of EE1, wherein said apparatus runs an    application prompting an inspector to complete at least one of a    stage and a step of an inspection procedure.-   EE3. The apparatus of EE1, wherein said application for guiding said    inspector utilizes forms.-   EE4. The apparatus of EE1, wherein said apparatus is configured to    send said collected media file and said associated metadata to a    computer external to said apparatus.-   EE5. The apparatus of EE1, wherein said apparatus is configured so    that said apparatus when associating metadata and a media file    writes the metadata to at least one of a text file or to said media    file.-   FF1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensorgenerating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configuredto enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, saidapparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control aposition of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrialequipment article being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is also configured in a mode in which saidapparatus tags media files that are collected in response to a userinput command with metadata, the apparatus displaying a form for use inguiding an inspector in collecting media files, the form including arepresentation of said industrial equipment article, the metadata beingat least one of (1) data that is read from said form without being inputby an inspector and (2) data input into said form by an inspector,wherein said apparatus is configured so that said apparatus whenassociating metadata to a media file writes the metadata to at least oneof a text file or to said media file.

-   GG1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensorgenerating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configuredto enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, saidapparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control aposition of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrialequipment article being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is also configured to operate in accordance withan application in which an inspector is guided through an inspectionprocedure having a plurality of steps, wherein at least one of saidsteps is to complete a measurement by operating said apparatus in ameasurement mode, the apparatus guiding an inspector in completing aninspection procedure by displaying on said display a depiction of anequipment article while said inspection procedure is being completed bysaid inspector, and further displaying on said display a data entryfield, the apparatus associating as metadata media files collected by aninspector during execution of said inspection procedure data that isinput into said displayed data entry field by an inspector, so that amedia file that is transferred from said apparatus to an externalcomputer has associated therewith as metadata data entered into saiddata entry field by said inspector.

-   HH1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensorgenerating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configuredto enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, saidapparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control aposition of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrialequipment article being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is configured to operate in accordance with anapplication wherein an inspector is guided through an inspectionprocedure having a plurality of steps, the apparatus in accordance withthe application retaining a list representing steps of said inspectionprocedure that are to be performed by an inspector, the apparatusprocessing data received by said apparatus to determine whether a stepof said procedure has been performed, the apparatus updating a screendisplay displayed on said display to provide positive feedback to saidinspector when said apparatus determines that a step of said procedurehas been completed, said apparatus further processing data received bysaid apparatus to determine with reference to said list whether saidinspection procedure has been completed and updating a screen display toprovide positive feedback to said inspector when said apparatusdetermines that said procedure has been completed.

-   HH2. The apparatus of HH1, wherein said application is coded    utilizing HTML forms.-   II1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensorgenerating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configuredto enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, saidapparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control aposition of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrialequipment article being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is also configured to operate in accordance withan application wherein an inspector is guided through an inspectionprocedure having a plurality of steps, wherein at least one of saidsteps is to complete a measurement by operating the apparatus inaccordance with the application examining data received by saidapparatus to determine whether data received by said apparatus indicatesthat an inspector has made an error in attempting to complete one ofsaid steps, said apparatus updating a screen display displayed on saiddisplay to provide negative feedback to said inspector when saidapparatus determines that said inspector has made an error in attemptingto complete a step of said inspection procedure.

-   II2. The apparatus of II1, wherein said updating includes changing    an appearance of text describing a step of said procedure.-   II3. The apparatus of II1, wherein said apparatus in examining said    data examines a file type of a collected media file.-   II4. The apparatus of II1, wherein said apparatus in examining said    data examines a file length of a collected media file.-   II5. The apparatus of II1, wherein said apparatus in examining said    data examines file data of a collected media file.-   JJ1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensorgenerating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configuredto enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, saidapparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control aposition of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrialequipment article being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is also configured to operate is accordance withan application wherein an inspector is guided through an inspectionprocedure having a plurality of steps, wherein at least one of saidsteps is to complete a measurement by operating said apparatus in saidmeasurement mode, the apparatus in accordance with the applicationretaining a list representing steps of said inspection procedure thatare to be performed by an inspector for completion of said inspectionprocedure, the apparatus in accordance with the application examiningdata received by said apparatus to determine whether data received bysaid apparatus indicates that an inspector has made an error inattempting to complete one of said steps, said apparatus updating ascreen display displayed on said display to provide positive feedback tosaid inspector when said apparatus determines that said inspector hassuccessfully completed a step of said inspection procedure.

-   JJ2. The apparatus of JJ1, wherein said updating includes changing    an appearance of text describing a step of said procedure.-   JJ3. The apparatus of JJ1, wherein said apparatus in examining said    data examines a file type of a collected media file.-   JJ4. The apparatus of JJ1, wherein said apparatus in examining said    data examines a file length of a collected media file.-   JJ5. The apparatus of JJ1, wherein said apparatus in examining said    data examines file data of a collected media file-   KK1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensorgenerating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configuredto enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, saidapparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control aposition of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrialequipment article being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is also configured to operate is accordance withan application wherein an inspector is guided through an inspectionprocedure having a plurality of steps, wherein at least one of saidsteps is to complete a measurement by operating said apparatus in saidmeasurement mode, the apparatus in accordance with the applicationdisabling an exit function normally provide by actuation of saidactuator of said control and display module when said application isinitiated so that when said application is initiated actuation of saidcertain actuator by an inspector does not result in exiting of saidapplication, the functioning associated with said certain actuator beingconfigured so that when said certain actuator is actuated duringexecution of said application but prior to completion of said steps,said apparatus provides negative feedback indicating to an inspectorperforming said inspection procedure that said inspection procedure hasnot been completed.

-   KK2. The apparatus of KK1, wherein said negative feedback is in the    form of a displayed message on said display of said control and    display module.-   KK3. The apparatus of KK1, wherein said apparatus is configured so    that when said certain actuator is actuated during execution of said    application but prior to completion of said steps, sends an message    to an external computer indicating that an inspector has attempted    to exit a procedure prior to completion of a procedure.-   LL1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an    industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensorgenerating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configuredto enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, saidapparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control aposition of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrialequipment article being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is also configured to operate in accordance withan application in which an inspector is guided through an inspectionprocedure having a plurality of stages, each stage corresponding to adifferent area of said inspection article, the apparatus in guiding aninspector in completing an inspection procedure displaying on saiddisplay a depiction of said equipment article together with indicatorsdisposed to indicate different areas of said equipment article, at leastone of said indicators indicating that a certain area of said equipmentarticle requires inspection.

-   LL2. The apparatus of LL1, said apparatus being configured so that    an appearance of at least one of said indicators is responsive to    data collected by said inspection apparatus.-   LL3. The apparatus of LL1, wherein at least one of the indicators    indicates that a certain area of said equipment article one of (1)    does not require inspection or (2) has already been inspected.-   LL4. The apparatus of LL1, wherein said indicators are provided by    hotspots.-   LL5. The apparatus of LL1, wherein said application is coded    utilizing at least one form having a displayable component    displayable with use of a browser program.-   AAA1. A method for operating a visual inspection system having a    visual inspection apparatus of the type including an elongated    inspection module adapted to be articulated by an inspector, and a    two dimensional image sensor generating image signals, said method    comprising the step of:

(a) providing an inspector guide application for running on said visualinspection apparatus that guides an inspector in completing aninspection by presenting prompts prompting said inspector to complete atleast one of a plurality of stages and a plurality of steps:

(b) associating metadata to a media file collected during completion ofsaid inspection procedure the media file including file data and, themetadata including at least one of stage indicator and a step indicator;

(c) examining at least one of said file data and said associatedmetadata referred to in step (b) to determine whether at least one of astage indicated by said stage indicator and a step indicated by saidstep indicator is to be selectively enabled; and

(d) modifying said inspector guide application responsively to saidexamining step (c).

-   AAA2. The method of AAA1, wherein said system in which said    apparatus is incorporated is configured so that said examining step    is executed automatically.-   AAA3. The method of AAA1, wherein said system in which said    apparatus is incorporated is configured so that said examining step    can be caused to be actuated by an inspector operating said    inspection apparatus.-   AAA4. The method of AAA1, wherein said system in which said    apparatus is incorporated is configured so that said examining step    can be caused to be actuated by a supervisor operating a workstation    computer spaced apart from said inspection apparatus.-   AAA5. The method of AAA1, wherein said examining step including the    step of applying a time stamp criteria.-   AAA6. The method of AAA1, wherein said examining step includes the    step of applying a file quality criteria.-   AAA7. The method of AAA1, wherein said examining step includes the    step if applying a represented feature criteria.-   AAA8. The method of AAA1, wherein said modifying step includes the    step of modifying said inspector guide application so that a prompt    for a stage indicated in said stage indicator is either not    presented or is presented in such manner that said inspector is    informed that said stage indicated by said stage indicator need not    be performed.-   AAA9. The method of AAA1, wherein said modifying step includes the    step of modifying said inspector guide application so that a prompt    for a step indicated in said step indicator is either not presented    or is presented in such manner that said inspector is informed that    said step indicated by said step indicator need not be performed.-   AAA10. The method of AAA1, wherein said providing step includes the    step of providing an inspector guide application so that an    inspector is prompted to complete a certain number of steps, and    wherein said modifying step includes the step of modifying said    inspector guide application so that said inspector is prompted to    perform less than said certain number of steps.-   BBB1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting    an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensorgenerating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configuredto enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus includingcommands to collect an image file comprising a representation of saidindustrial equipment article, and to collect a video file comprising arepresentation of said industrial equipment article, said apparatusfurther being configured to enable said inspector to control a positionof said elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipmentarticle being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is configured so that when a media file iscollected metadata is associated with the collected media file, themetadata including at least one of a stage identifier and a stepidentifier.

-   CCC1. A data structure for use in an inspection system in which an    articles is inspected, the data structure comprising:

a media file selected from the group consisting of an image file and avideo file; and

metadata associated with the media file, the metadata being selectedfrom the group consisting of a stage identifier and a step identifier,the stage identifier identifying area of said article, the stepidentifier identifying a step of a procedure for inspecting saidarticle.

-   CCC2. The data structure of CCC1, wherein said metadata includes    both of said stage identifier and said step identifier.-   CCC3. The data structure of CCC1, wherein said metadata is at least    one of written to said media file or to a text file.-   DDD1. A system for use in conducting an inspection of an equipment    article, said system comprising:

(a) an inspection apparatus for use in conducting inspections of anequipment article, said inspection apparatus being configured to run aninspector guide application for guiding an inspector in the performanceof an inspection procedure relating to said equipment article, saidinspector guide application presenting an inspector with a plurality ofprompts;

(b) wherein said system is adapted so that said system can examine datacollected by said apparatus during a first running of said inspectorguide application; and

(c) wherein said system, responsively to said examination of said datacollected during said first running of said inspector guide application,modifies said inspector guide application so that a behavior of saidapparatus when running said inspector guide application after saidinspector guide application is modified is different than a behavior ofsaid apparatus during said first running of said inspector guideapplication.

-   DDD2. The system of DDD1, wherein said system includes a user    interface for use by a user of said system, said user interface    enabling said user to define a criteria for use in examining said    data collected by said apparatus.-   DDD3. The system of DDD2, wherein said user interface is    incorporated into said inspection apparatus.-   DDD4. The system of DDD2, wherein said user interface is    incorporated into a supervisor work station spaced apart from said    inspection apparatus.-   DDD5. The system of DDD1, wherein said system is adapted to examine    data collected by said apparatus based on criteria selected from the    group consisting of a timestamp criteria, a quality criteria and a    represented feature criteria.-   DDD6. The system of DDD1, wherein said system includes a first user    interface at said apparatus for enabling an inspector to define    criteria for use in examining said data collected by said apparatus,    and a second user interface at a work station spaced apart from said    apparatus for enabling a supervisor to define criteria for use in    examining said data collected by said apparatus.-   DDD7. The system of DDD6, wherein said system is configured so that    a first set of controls are made available with use of said first    user interface and a second set of controls are made available with    use of said second user interface, wherein second set of controls    available to a supervisor include at least one control not among    said first set of controls.-   DDD8. The system of DDD6, wherein said system is configured so that    a first set of controls are made available with use of said first    user interface and a second set of controls are made available with    use of said second user interface, the first set of controls being    different from said second set of controls.-   DDD9. The system of DDD1, wherein said inspection apparatus is a    visual inspection apparatus.-   EEE1. A method for operating an inspection system comprising a    visual inspection apparatus having an elongated inspection module,    the method comprising the steps of:

running an inspector guide application on said inspection apparatus toguide an inspector in performing a plurality of steps of an inspectionprocedure relating to an equipment article, wherein inspection apparatuswhile running said inspector guide application prompts an inspector toperform a certain step;

examining at a computer external from said inspection apparatus at leastone of file data of a media file collected pursuant to said performanceof said certain step, or metadata associated with said media filewherein said examining step includes the step of applying a stepenabling criteria;

if said examining step indicates that said at least one of said filedata and saved metadata satisfies said criteria sending a communicationfrom said external computer to said inspection apparatus to indicatethat said step enabling criteria has been satisfied; and

causing said inspection apparatus to re-prompt for completion of saidcertain step responsively to receipt of said communication.

-   EEE2. The method of EEE1, wherein said system is configured so that    said causing step can be executed prior to completion of said    inspection procedure.-   EEE3. The method of EEE1, wherein said examining said media file    step includes the step of examining metadata associated with said    media file.-   EEE4. The method of EEE1, wherein said examining step including the    step of applying a time stamp criteria.-   EEE5. The method of EE1, wherein said examining step includes the    step of applying a file quality criteria.-   EEE6. The method of EEE1, wherein said examining step includes the    step if applying a file represented feature criteria.-   FFF1. A method for operating an inspection apparatus having an    elongated inspection module and an image sensor, the method    comprising the steps of:

providing an inspector guide application so that said inspector guideapplication can be modified responsively to an output from a data outputdevice, the inspector guide application being configured to guide aninspector to complete at least one of stages and steps of an inspectionprocedure for inspecting an equipment article;

reading an output from and data output device; and

responsively to said output modifying said inspector guide applicationto selectively enable at least one of a set of stages and a set of stepsof said inspector guide application; and

running said inspector guide application on said inspection apparatus asmodified in said modifying step to guide an inspector in performing aninspection.

-   FFF2. The method of FFF1, wherein said reading step includes the    step of reading an output of a real time clock.-   FFF3. The method of FFF2, wherein said reading step includes the    step of reading an output from a sensor.-   FFF4. The method of FFF2, wherein said reading step includes the    step of reading an output from a sensor provided by a temperature    sensor.-   GGG1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting    an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensorgenerating image signals, a control interface, and a display, theapparatus being configured to enable an inspector to input commands intosaid apparatus, said apparatus further being configured to enable saidinspector to control a position of said elongated inspection modulerelative to an industrial equipment article being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is also configured to operate in accordance withan inspection procedure application in which an inspector is guidedthrough an inspection procedure, said apparatus in accordance with saidapplication prompting an inspector to conduct said inspection procedurein a series of stages wherein data relating to a different physical areaof said equipment article is to be collected during execution of eachstage, wherein said apparatus is configured to utilize a stagedefinition of said inspection procedure application in order toautomatically establish a directory structure corresponding to saidseries of stages so that a file collected during execution of saidinspection procedure is saved into a directory corresponding to a stagebeing executed during collection of the file.

-   GGG2. The apparatus of GGG1, wherein said control interface includes    a joystick and a plurality of buttons.-   GGG3. The apparatus of GGG1, wherein said control interface includes    a touch screen overlay.-   HHH1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting    an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensorgenerating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configuredto enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, saidapparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control aposition of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrialequipment article being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is also configured in a mode in which saidapparatus displays on said display a form including a depiction of saidindustrial equipment article and a plurality of hot spots disposed onsaid form, the apparatus further being configured allocate a set of filedirectories corresponding to said plurality of hot spots, the apparatusfurther being configured so a media file that is collected is stored toa certain one of said set of file directories, the certain one directorybeing determined by which of said hotspots was most recently actuated.

-   HHH2. The apparatus of HHH1, wherein said hot spot is superimposed    on said depiction of said industrial equipment article.-   III1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting    an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensorgenerating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configuredto enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, saidapparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control aposition of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrialequipment article being inspected;

wherein said apparatus is also configured to operate in accordance withan inspection procedure application in which an inspector is guidedthrough an inspection procedure having a plurality of steps, wherein atleast one of said steps is to complete a measurement by operating saidapparatus in said measurement mode, wherein said apparatus is configuredso that subsequent to initiation of said inspection procedureapplication and prior to completion of said procedure, said apparatusgenerates a user-interactive report enabling an inspector to reviewresults of said inspection procedure prior to completion of saidinspection procedure, the report including hot spots which when actuatedresult in at least one of (i) a collected media files being opened or(ii) a depiction of a collected media file being displayed, theapparatus being configured to automatically send said report to at leastone computer external with said apparatus.

-   III2. The apparatus of III1, wherein said report includes a    graphical depiction of an equipment article.-   III3. The apparatus of III1, wherein said graphical depiction is an    isometric view.-   III4. The apparatus of III1, wherein said graphical depiction is an    image collected by an inspection apparatus.-   III5. The apparatus of III1, wherein said apparatus is configured to    automatically send each file collected by said apparatus during    execution of said inspection procedure to an external computer prior    to collection of a next file.-   JJJ1. A system for use in a visual inspection system in which media    files respecting an equipment article are collected, the system    comprising:

an inspection apparatus comprising an elongated inspection module, a twodimensional image sensor generating image signals, and a display, theapparatus being configured to enable an inspector to input commands intosaid apparatus, said apparatus further being configured to enable saidinspector to control a position of said elongated inspection modulerelative to an industrial equipment article being inspected; and

a user interactive form builder for use in building at least one formfor display on said display of said hand graspable display and controlmodule for use in guiding an inspector in performing an inspectionprocedure for inspecting an equipment article, the form builder beingconfigured for use by a developer without any understanding ofprogramming languages and being configured to build said at least oneform without typing of any program code into said form builder, the formbuilder enabling a developer to define, without typing of any programcode into said form builder at least one of: (a) graphic of said atleast one form, (b) a hot spot of said at least one form, (c) a dataentry area of said at least one form, and (d) a stage definition forsaid instruction procedure.

-   JJJ2. The system of JJJ1 wherein, said interactive form builder    enables a developer to define a set of steps to be performed in an    inspection procedure.-   KKK1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting    an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensorgenerating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configuredto enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, saidapparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control aposition of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrialequipment article being inspected, and

wherein said apparatus is configured in a mode in which said apparatusdisplays on said display a form including a depiction of said industrialequipment article and a plurality of inspector actuatable hot spotssuperimposed in said form, the apparatus further being configured toallocate a set of file directories corresponding to said plurality ofhot spots, the apparatus further being configured so a media file thatis collected is saved to a certain one of said set of file directories,the certain one directory being determined by which of said hotspots wasmost recently actuated.

-   KKK2. The apparatus of KKK1, where said hot spots are disposed to    designate different areas of same industrial equipment article.-   LLL1. A procedure form builder for use in a building a form for use    in guiding a user in the collection of media files while using a    visual inspection apparatus for inspecting an industrial equipment    article, the form builder including:

an image selection area enabling a developer to designate an image as aroot form image, the form builder being configured so that thedesignated root form image can be an industrial equipment article, theform builder creating a root form including said designated image;

the form builder further allowing a form developer to establish on saidroot form a series of hot spots, each hot spot corresponding to an areaof said industrial equipment article to be subject to inspection.

-   LLL2. The procedure form builder of LLL1, further enabling the    developer to designate links associates with each hot spot.-   LLL3. The procedure form builder of LLL1, wherein said procedure    form builder enables a developer to define a sub-form hyperlinked to    said root form by way of one of said defined hot spots.-   LLL4. The procedure form builder of LLL1, wherein said procedure    form builder enables said form builder to select a live view as a    hyperlink associated with a hot spot.-   LLL5. The procedure form builder of LLL1, wherein said procedure    form builder enabled said form developer to select a live view with    superimposed measurement view as a hyperlink associated with a hot    spot.-   LLL6. The procedure form builder of LLL1, wherein said form builder    attaches script to a form built by said form builder so that when    said a form is opened at a visual inspection apparatus said script    is run.-   LLL7. The procedure form builder of LLL1, enabling a form developer    to create a set of hyperlinked forms having a hierarchical tree    structure, and wherein said form builder attaches script to a form    of said set of forms for execution by a visual inspection apparatus    to create a set of file directories corresponding to a hierarchical    tree structure of said set of forms.-   MMM1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting    an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensorgenerating image signals, a control interface, and a display, theapparatus being configured to enable an inspector to input commands intosaid apparatus, said apparatus further being configured to enable saidinspector to control a position of said elongated inspection modulerelative to an industrial equipment article being inspected, and

wherein said apparatus is also configured in a mode in which saidapparatus generates a report including (i) a plurality of media files;and (ii) a root record form including a depiction of said industrialequipment article subject to visual inspection, the root record formhaving a series of hot spots defined on said equipment articledepiction, the report being configured so that when said form isdisplayed, and a one of said hot spots is actuated, a media filecorresponding to said one hot spot is opened.

-   NNN1. A method for providing a labeled and searchable file in an    industrial visual inspection system, the method comprising:

(a) providing an apparatus for performance of visual inspectionrespecting an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensorgenerating image signals, a control interface, and a display, theapparatus being configured to enable an inspector to input commands intosaid apparatus, said apparatus further being configured to enable saidinspector to control a position of said elongated inspection modulerelative to an industrial equipment article being inspected;

(b) providing a form builder configured for use by persons without anyunderstanding of programming languages;

(c) without typing any code into said form builder defining with usesaid form builder an HTML form having a data entry field;

(d) opening the form on the apparatus;

(e) receiving in said data entry field data input into said data entryfield by an inspector conducting an inspection of an industrialequipment article;

(f) associating the received data entered into said data entry field byan inspector at step (e) as metadata with a media file to collect atsaid apparatus, in response to input of a command by said inspector, ametadata-associated media file; and

(g) transferring said metadata-associated media file to an externalcomputer external to said apparatus.

-   OOO1. A method for development and dissemination of data in an    industrial visual inspection system, the method comprising:

(a) providing an apparatus for performance of visual inspectionrespecting an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising anelongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensor generatingimage signals, a control interface, and a display, the apparatus beingconfigured to enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus,said apparatus further being configured to enable said inspector tocontrol a position of said elongated inspection module relative to anindustrial equipment article being inspected;

(b) providing a form builder configured for use by persons without anyunderstanding of programming languages;

(c) without typing any code into said form builder defining with usesaid form builder a form having at least one of a graphical depiction ofan industrial equipment article, a set of hot buttons of a certainnumber, and a stage definition;

(d) opening the form built at step (c) to initiate an inspectionprocedure application;

(e) utilizing the form built at step (c) to generate a user interactivereport form, the user interactive report form having at least one of (i)a graphical depiction of said equipment article (ii) said certain numberof hot buttons or (iii) a number of hot buttons corresponding to saidstage definition; and

(f) transferring said user interactive report form generated at step (e)to an external computer.

It has been noted that features described herein can be incorporatedinto visual inspection systems other than industrial equipment articlevisual inspection systems. It has also been indicated, as noted withreferences to non-visual inspection systems that features describedherein can also find use in inspection systems other than visualinspection systems. The term “adapted” herein has the same meaning asthe term “configured”.

While the present invention has been described with reference to anumber of specific embodiments, it will be understood that the truespirit and scope of the invention should be determined only with respectto claims that can be supported by the present specification. Further,while in numerous cases herein wherein systems and apparatuses andmethods are described as having a certain number of elements it will beunderstood that such systems, apparatuses and methods can be practicedwith fewer than the mentioned certain number of elements.

While methods and apparatuses have been described herein having aparticular number of elements, it is understood in every instance thedescribed method or apparatus can be practiced with less than thespecifically described number of elements. While the present inventionhas been particularly shown and described with reference to thepreferred mode as illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood byone skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be effectedtherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by claims that can be supported by the present description anddrawings.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the inventionis defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur tothose skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be withinthe scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do notdiffer from the literal language of the claims, or if they includeequivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from theliteral language of the claims.

1. A method for operating a visual inspection system having a visualinspection apparatus of the type including an elongated inspectionmodule adapted to be articulated by an inspector, and a two dimensionalimage sensor generating image signals, said method comprising the stepof: (a) providing an inspector guide application for running on saidvisual inspection apparatus that guides an inspector in completing aninspection by presenting prompts prompting said inspector to complete atleast one of a plurality of stages and a plurality of steps; (b)embedding metadata in a media file collected during completion of saidinspection procedure, the metadata including at least one of a stageindicator indicating a stage of an inspection and a step indicatorindicating a step during the stage of the inspection; (c) examining saidmetadata referred to in step (b) to determine whether at least one of astage indicated by said stage indicator and a step indicated by saidstep indicator is to be selectively enabled; and (d) modifying saidinspector guide application responsively to said examining step (c),wherein the stage of the inspection corresponds to an area on aninspection article to be inspected, wherein the visual inspectionapparatus, in guiding the inspector in completing the inspectionprocedure, displays a depiction of the inspection article on a displaytogether with one or more indicators disposed on the depiction, the oneor more indicators having an appearance on the display that indicateswhether the area of the inspection article requires inspection, does notrequire inspection, or has already been inspected, and wherein modifyingsaid inspector guide application in step (d) changes the appearance ofthe indicators to reflect whether the area of the inspection articlerequires inspection, does not require inspection, or has already beeninspected based on the metadata embedded in the media file in step (b).2. The method of claim 1, wherein said system in which said apparatus isincorporated is configured so that said examining step is executedautomatically.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said system in whichsaid apparatus is incorporated is configured so that said examining stepcan be caused to be actuated by an inspector operating said inspectionapparatus.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said system in which saidapparatus is incorporated is configured so that said examining step canbe caused to be actuated by a supervisor operating a workstationcomputer spaced apart from said inspection apparatus.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said examining step including the step of applying atime stamp criteria.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said examiningstep includes the step of applying a file quality criteria.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said examining step includes the step ofapplying a represented feature criteria.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein said modifying step includes the step of modifying saidinspector guide application so that a prompt for a stage indicated insaid stage indicator is either not presented or is presented in suchmanner that said inspector is informed that said stage indicated by saidstage indicator need not be performed.
 9. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid modifying step includes the step of modifying said inspector guideapplication so that a prompt for a step indicated in said step indicatoris either not presented or is presented in such manner that saidinspector is informed that said step indicated by said step indicatorneed not be performed.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said providingstep includes the step of providing an inspector guide application sothat an inspector is prompted to complete a certain number of steps, andwherein said modifying step includes the step of modifying saidinspector guide application so that said inspector is prompted toperform less than said certain number of steps.
 11. An apparatus forperformance of visual inspection respecting an industrial equipmentarticle, the apparatus comprising: an elongated inspection module; a twodimensional image sensor generating image signals; and a display,wherein said apparatus is configured to enable an inspector to inputcommands into said apparatus including commands to collect media filesincluding an image file comprising a representation of said industrialequipment article and to collect a video file comprising arepresentation of said industrial equipment article, wherein saidapparatus is configured for embedding metadata in the media filescollected during completion of an inspection procedure, the metadataincluding at least one of stage indicator indicating a stage of aninspection and a step indicator indicating a step during the stage ofthe inspection, wherein said apparatus is configured to modify aninspector guide application that guides an inspector in completing aninspection responsively to the metadata embedded within the media files,and wherein said apparatus is configured to enable said inspector tocontrol a position of said elongated inspection module relative to anindustrial equipment article being inspected, wherein the stage of theinspection corresponds to an area on an industrial equipment article tobe inspected, wherein the visual inspection apparatus, in guiding theinspector in completing the inspection procedure, displays a depictionof the industrial equipment article on the display together with one ormore indicators disposed on the depiction, the one or more indicatorshaving an appearance on the display that indicates whether the area ofthe industrial equipment article requires inspection, does not requireinspection, or has already been inspected, and wherein said apparatuscan change the appearance of the indicators to reflect whether the areaof the inspection article requires inspection, does not requireinspection, or has already been inspected based on the metadata embeddedin the media file.
 12. A system for use in conducting an inspection ofan equipment article, said system comprising: (a) an inspectionapparatus for use in conducting inspections of an industrial equipmentarticle, wherein said inspection apparatus is configured to run aninspector guide application for guiding an inspector in the performanceof an inspection procedure relating to said industrial equipmentarticle, said inspector guide application presenting an inspector with aplurality of prompts, wherein said inspection apparatus is configuredfor embedding metadata in a media file collected during completion ofsaid inspection procedure, the metadata including at least one of astage indicator indicating a stage of an inspection and a step indicatorindicating a step during the stage of the inspection, wherein saidsystem is adapted so that said system can examine the metadata of themedia files collected by said apparatus during a first running of saidinspector guide application, wherein said system, responsively to saidexamination of said metadata of the media files collected during saidfirst running of said inspector guide application, modifies saidinspector guide application so that a behavior of said apparatus whenrunning said inspector guide application after said inspector guideapplication is modified is different than a behavior of said apparatusduring said first running of said inspector guide application, whereinthe stage of the inspection corresponds to an area on an industrialequipment article to be inspected, wherein the visual inspectionapparatus, in guiding the inspector in completing the inspectionprocedure, displays a depiction of the industrial equipment article on adisplay together with one or more indicators disposed on the depiction,the one or more indicators having an appearance on the display thatindicates whether the area of the industrial equipment article requiresinspection, does not require inspection, or has already been inspected,and wherein said apparatus can change the appearance of the indicatorsto reflect whether the area of the industrial equipment article requiresinspection, does not require inspection, or has already been inspectedbased on the metadata embedded in the media file.
 13. The system ofclaim 12, wherein said system includes a user interface for use by auser of said system, said user interface enabling said user to define acriteria for use in examining said data collected by said apparatus. 14.The system of claim 13, wherein said user interface is incorporated intosaid inspection apparatus.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein said userinterface is incorporated into a supervisor work station spaced apartfrom said inspection apparatus.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein saidsystem is adapted to examine data collected by said apparatus based oncriteria selected from the group consisting of a timestamp criteria, aquality criteria and a represented feature criteria.
 17. The system ofclaim 12, wherein said system includes a first user interface at saidapparatus for enabling an inspector to define criteria for use inexamining said data collected by said apparatus, and a second userinterface at a work station spaced apart from said apparatus forenabling a supervisor to define criteria for use in examining said datacollected by said apparatus.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein saidsystem is configured so that a first set of controls are made availablewith use of said first user interface and a second set of controls aremade available with use of said second user interface, wherein secondset of controls available to a supervisor include at least one controlnot among said first set of controls.
 19. The system of claim 17,wherein said system is configured so that a first set of controls aremade available with use of said first user interface and a second set ofcontrols are made available with use of said second user interface, thefirst set of controls being different from said second set of controls.20. The system of claim 12, wherein said inspection apparatus is avisual inspection apparatus.
 21. A method for operating an inspectionsystem comprising a visual inspection apparatus having an elongatedinspection module, the method comprising the steps of: running aninspector guide application on said inspection apparatus to guide aninspector in performing a plurality of steps of an inspection procedurerelating to an industrial equipment article, wherein said inspectionapparatus, while running said inspector guide application, prompts aninspector to perform a certain step, embedding metadata in a media filecollected during completion of said inspection procedure, the metadataincluding at least one of a stage indicator indicating a stage of theinspection procedure and a step indicator indicating a step during thestage of the inspection procedure; examining at a computer external fromsaid inspection apparatus said metadata embedded within said media file,wherein said examining step includes the step of applying a stepenabling criteria; if said examining step indicates that said metadatasatisfies said criteria, sending a communication from said externalcomputer to said inspection apparatus to indicate that said stepenabling criteria has been satisfied; and causing said inspectionapparatus to re-prompt for completion of said certain step responsivelyto receipt of said communication, wherein the stage of the inspectioncorresponds to an area on the industrial equipment article to beinspected, wherein the visual inspection apparatus, in guiding theinspector in completing the inspection procedure, displays a depictionof the industrial equipment article on a display together with one ormore indicators disposed on the depiction, the one or more indicatorshaving an appearance on the display that indicates whether the area ofthe industrial equipment article requires inspection, does not requireinspection, or has already been inspected, and wherein said apparatuscan change the appearance of the indicators to reflect whether the areaof the industrial equipment article requires inspection, does notrequire inspection, or has already been inspected based on the metadataembedded in the media file.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein saidsystem is configured so that said causing step can be executed prior tocompletion of said inspection procedure.
 23. The method of claim 21,wherein said examining step including the step of applying a time stampcriteria.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein said examining stepincludes the step of applying a file quality criteria.
 25. The method ofclaim 21, wherein said examining step includes the step if applying afile represented feature criteria.
 26. A method for operating aninspection apparatus having an elongated inspection module and an imagesensor, the method comprising the steps of: providing an inspector guideapplication so that said inspector guide application can be modifiedresponsively to a media file from a data output device, the inspectorguide application being configured to guide an inspector to complete atleast one of stages and steps of an inspection procedure for inspectingan equipment article; embedding metadata to the media file collectedduring completion of said inspection procedure, the metadata includingat least one of a stage indicator indicating a stage of an inspectionand a step indicator indicating a step during the stage of theinspection; reading said meta data; responsively to said metadata,modifying said inspector guide application to selectively enable atleast one of a set of stages and a set of steps of said inspector guideapplication; and running said inspector guide application on saidinspection apparatus as modified in said modifying step to guide aninspector in performing an inspection, wherein the stage of theinspection corresponds to an area on the industrial equipment article tobe inspected, wherein the visual inspection apparatus, in guiding theinspector in completing the inspection procedure, displays a depictionof the industrial equipment article on a display together with one ormore indicators disposed on the depiction, the one or more indicatorshaving an appearance on the display that indicates whether the area ofthe industrial equipment article requires inspection, does not requireinspection, or has already been inspected, and wherein said apparatuscan change the appearance of the indicators to reflect whether the areaof the industrial equipment article requires inspection, does notrequire inspection, or has already been inspected based on the metadataembedded in the media file.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein saidreading step includes the step of reading an output of a real timeclock.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein said reading step includesthe step of reading an output from a sensor.
 29. The method of claim 27,wherein said reading step includes the step of reading an output from asensor provided by a temperature sensor.